Serves 6
15 min
Broiled Tofu with Miso (Tofu Dengaku)
Recipe GLPRf96dd2e84323a5
A classic Japanese dish featuring firm tofu that is moisture-removed and then broiled until golden. The tofu squares are topped with a glossy, caramelized miso glaze and finished with toasted sesame seeds. This elegant yet simple preparation brings out the delicate flavor of the tofu while the rich umami of the miso creates a perfectly balanced side or main course.
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Ingredients
1 block firm tofu block (14 to 16 ounces)
⅓ cup red miso
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons sake, dry sherry, or dry white wine
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
Directions
Pat the tofu block completely dry with paper towels. Wrap the dried tofu in fresh paper towels and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave at high power for 30 seconds. Carefully pour off any accumulated liquid, then wrap the tofu in fresh paper towels again. Repeat this microwaving and draining process 1 to 2 more times (30 seconds each), until the tofu feels noticeably firmer and less watery.
Preheat your broiler to high heat.
In a small saucepan, combine the red miso, sugar, and sake. Stir well to blend the ingredients. If the mixture is very thick, add 1 tablespoon of water. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir constantly until the mixture becomes bubbling, glossy, and reaches the consistency of ketchup, about 1 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cut the drained tofu block in half horizontally to create two flat slabs. Place the halves cut-side up on a cutting board. Cut each half into 6 equal or roughly equal squares, for a total of 12 tofu pieces.
Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil. Arrange the tofu squares on the lined pan with the cut sides facing up. Place the pan about 2 inches below the broiler element and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until a light golden crust just begins to form on the tops of the tofu.
Remove the pan from the broiler. Spread approximately 3/4 teaspoon of the miso glaze onto the crusted top of each tofu square, dividing the glaze evenly among the pieces.
Return the pan to the broiler and broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until the miso topping is bubbling and beginning to brown at the edges.
Transfer the broiled tofu squares to a serving plate. Carefully skewer each tofu square with either one two-pronged wooden pick or two parallel straight wooden picks. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds evenly over all the pieces and serve immediately.
