Tofu Steaks

Each "steak" is dredged, pan-seared, seasoned with sake, shoyu, and mirin, then topped with katsuo bushi, also known as bonito flakes.  Katsuo bushi is an exciting ingredient!  The flakes are dried, smoked, and fermented skipjack tuna fillets.  They boast a rich umami flavor with smoky notes and are often used as a garnish.  When sprinkled on top of hot foods (like tofu steaks), the flakes begin to move but don't worry: they're not alive!  The steam from hot food makes the light, thin slivers waver and curl, creating mesmerizing movement.

Prep Time 7 min / Cook Time 10 min 

2 servings 

Ingredients

• 1 package firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon sake (Japanese cooking wine)
• 1 tablespoon shoyu (soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons goma-abura (sesame oil)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1-2 thinly sliced green onions
• Katsuo bushi (bonito fish flakes), for garnish

Preparation

1. Remove the tofu from the packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel.
2. Cut the tofu into four equal-sized pieces for the "steaks."  
3. Mix the sake, shoyu, and mirin in a small bowl.
4. Lightly season both sides of each tofu steak with salt and pepper.
5. Add the flour to a shallow bowl or dish and dredge the tofu with flour.  Lightly pat to remove any excess.

Cooking

1. Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Place the tofu steaks in the pan in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
3. Pour the sake, shoyu, and mirin mixture into the pan.  Pour it around the tofu instead of over it.
4. Flip the tofu, so both sides absorb the seasonings.
5. Plate the tofu steaks and garnish with Katsuo Bushi and sliced green onions.  Serve immediately.

Recipe Note

Japanese Cooking Starter Pack is available here.  It contains Cooking Wine, Soy Sauce, Bonito Soup Stock, Sweet Cooking Wine, and Sesame Oil.  

Keep your eyes peeled for the special ingredients found in each MESHIAGRE Box for Cooking Lovers from Wa-gokoro USA!  We love introducing Japanese culinary staples to you during your monthly shipment. Recipe cards help guide you through using each ingredient, so you’ll have a delicious meal every time. Our ingredients are perfect for new home chefs, professional chefs who want to learn more about Japanese cuisine, and everyone in between!  The box also includes bonus items (ex. Japanese sweets, drinks) for you and your family to enjoy throughout the month.  Click HERE to learn more!