To make fried tofu, Japanese style, you’ll need the following:

• 2 large soft tofu cubes
• Paper towel or clean cloth
• Cutting board
• Medium bowl of water or two large food cans

Here’s what you need to make the marinade:

• 6 tablespoons soy sauce
• 6 tablespoons mirin
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• Optional: a pinch of shichimi powder

And now here are the cooking instructions:

1. Take the paper towel or heavy cloth and place on a hard flat surface.
2. Place the tofu on the cloth and cover with more paper or cloth.
3. Place the cutting board on top of the tofu and then place the bowl or cans on top of the board, making sure that the weight is equally distributed.
4. Let it sit for approximately 15 – 20 minutes.
5. Once the water has drained from the tofu, cut them into 2cm cubes.
6. In a shallow pan or ziplock bag, mix the marinade ingredients and place cubes tofu inside.
7. Let it sit for approximately 30 minutes.
8. Heat a pan over medium heat and add tofu with marinade.
9. Cook for 5 minutes or until golden brown and serve with freshly cooked rice.

Japanese Style Fried Tofu