Atsuage

Atsuage can be a delicious plant-based appetizer, but it also makes for a fantastic vegan meat that absorbs flavors like a sponge.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Japanese

Level Beginner

Main Ingredient Tofu

Diet Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, Low-Carb, Pescatarian, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Draining time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings servings

Calories 178kcal

Sprinkle all sides of the 2 blocks tofu with the ½ teaspoon salt. Set the salted tofu on a wire rack on a tray.
2 blocks tofu, ½ teaspoon salt
Place another tray on top of the tofu and add water to weigh it down. Let this drain for 1 hour.
Preheat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 340°F (170°C). You can optionally add 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil for extra flavor.
vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
When the tofu is done draining, pat the surface of each block dry with paper towels.
Gently lower the tofu into the oil using long chopsticks or tongs, and fry until golden brown on all sides (9-10 minutes). I recommend flipping the tofu over once in the middle to ensure it browns evenly.
Drain the Atsuage on a paper towel-lined rack.
If you're eating the Atsuage as-is, serve it immediately to enjoy the crisp exterior. Otherwise, you can let it cool and store it in a sealed container for up to a week in the fridge.