Cheese-Stuffed Fried Tofu

Introduction

This cheese-stuffed fried tofu is an easy Japanese home-style dish made with just a few simple ingredients. Thick atsuage tofu is filled with cheese, lightly coated with potato starch, then pan-fried until golden and finished with a sweet-savory three-ingredient sauce. The sauce coats the tofu beautifully, making it especially good with warm rice.

Ingredients

[Servings : 2-3]

• Fried tofu (atsuage): 2 pieces
• Cheese: 3 slices
• Potato starch: As needed Oil: 1 tsp

Sauce

• Sake: 3 tbsp
• Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
• Sugar: 1½ tbsp

Optional Toppings

• Chopped green onions: As desired
• Soft-boiled egg: As desired

Instruction

• Cut the fried tofu into serving-size pieces.
• Make a slit in the side of each piece, being careful not to cut all the way through.
• Fold the cheese and stuff it inside each piece of tofu. Lightly coat the outside with potato starch.
• Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat and pan-fry the tofu until golden on both sides.
• Add the sake, soy sauce, and sugar. Simmer over medium-low heat, gently turning the tofu, until the sauce reduces and becomes glossy. Serve warm and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Tips

• Thick atsuage tofu works best because it is easier to slit and holds the cheese well.
• Fold the cheese before stuffing so it fits neatly inside the tofu.
• Coat the tofu lightly with potato starch to help the outside crisp up and the sauce cling better.
• Cook over medium-low heat after adding the sauce so the sugar does not burn.
• Let the sauce reduce until glossy, but avoid cooking too long so the cheese stays soft inside.