Agedashi Dofu: Japanese Fried Tofu In A Dashi-Based Sauce Recipe

Agedashi dofu, or agedashi tofu, is a traditional japanese tofu dish that is a popular appetizer you can find in restaurants. It is deep fried tofu with a crispy crust formed by a potato starch coating. It is typically served with toppings such as grated daikon, katsuobushi (bonito flakes), scallion, nori, or grated ginger and a sauce that soaks into the tofu. You can make it a little spicier by adding shichimi togarashi. A great agedashi tofu is like warm custard. It melts on your tongue into a creamy pool of savory dashi, or stock, lightly accented by the garnishes. The magic is in the way the coating absorbs the flavorful dashi as it seasons the tofu. At the same time, it releases residual oil into the broth, imparting a hint of richness without being greasy.