Koya Dofu (Freeze-Dried Tofu)

servings
4 servings
prep time
15 minutes
cook time
30 minutes
Blue and white plate with freeze-dried tofu, shishito peppers, and chopsticks on a traditional patterned plate.

An appetizing presentation of freeze-dried tofu paired with fresh shishito peppers. The tofu’s texture is contrasted by the vibrant green of the peppers, all presented on a blue and white traditional plate.

by Akiko Ohashi

Ingredients

  • 4 dried shiitake mushrooms
  • 4 packaged, freeze-dried tofu pieces
  • 15 grams (½ ounce) kombu (dried sea kelp)
  • 3-4 grams (¼ cup) bonito flakes
  • 10 small shishito peppers
  • 66 grams (6 tablespoons) sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sake
  • Pinch of salt

Preparation

  1. Soak shiitake mushrooms in 237 ml (1 cup) of water for 30-45 minutes, then remove the mushrooms and reserve the liquid.

  2. Dip the freeze-dried tofu in water just until soft, and gently wring out like a sponge.

  3. Prepare dashi broth: Pour the reserved mushroom liquid into a small saucepan and add 473 ml (2 cups) water and the kombu. Place over low heat and bring to a simmer. Immediately remove the kombu and stir in the bonito flakes. Return to a simmer, then remove from heat and strain through a filter into a clean pan; discard the solids.

  4. Add the freeze dried tofu, shiitake mushrooms, shishito peppers, sugar, soy sauce, sake, and salt. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

  5. Serve as a soup or slice the tofu into strips and arrange on a plate.

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