deep-fried tofu pouch

• u.s.
• metric

ingredients:

• 1 block tofu
• 1/2 cup salad oil
• suitable amount soy sauce (optional)
• suitable amount grated fresh ginger (optional)

step 1:

Put the tofu on a tray. To drain water from the tofu, first put a plate over it. Then, put a heavy thing (about 18 oz, such as a book, 15 fl oz plastic bottled drink, etc.) over the plate . Let sit for about 2 hours.

step 2:

Place a knife 1/2 in. down the side of the block and slice across. Again place the knife another 1/2 in. down the side and slice across to form three slices.

step 3:

Heat the oil to 300°F and deep-fry the three tofu slices for 10 minutes. Deep-fry the opposite side for about 7 minutes. Remove from the pan and drain on a rack.

step 4:

Slice the deep-fried tofu pouch (abura-age) across into about 1/2 in. strips.

step 5:

(Optional) This can be served in two ways. Either sprinkle the tofu with the grated ginger and pour soy sauce over it. Or, serve the grated ginger and soy sauce in a separate small dish. Dip the abura-age into the dipping sauce as you eat it.