Inari tofu, or inari-age, is a delightful Japanese dish featuring sweet and savory fried tofu pouches filled with seasoned rice. It's a popular side dish, often served at celebrations or as part of a bento box. This guide will walk you through making delicious inari tofu from scratch, step-by-step.
Preparing the Inari (Fried Tofu Pouches)
Before you even think about the filling, let's get those inari pouches ready! You can buy pre-made ones, but making your own adds a satisfying homemade touch.
Ingredients for the Inari:
- 1 block (about 14 ounces) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions for the Inari:
- Press the Tofu: Wrap the tofu block in several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object (like books or a skillet) on top to press out excess water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents soggy inari.
- Cut the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into 8 equal-sized rectangles.
- Prepare the Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Tofu: Dredge each tofu rectangle in the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Fry the Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully add the tofu rectangles, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the fried tofu from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool completely.
Making the Seasoned Rice Filling
Now for the delicious part – the sweet and savory rice filling that gives inari tofu its unique character.
Ingredients for the Rice Filling:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 1/4 cups water
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sake (optional, adds depth of flavor)
Instructions for the Rice Filling:
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.
- Cook the Rice: Combine the rinsed rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the mirin, soy sauce, sugar, and sake (if using).
- Season the Rice: Gently stir the seasoning into the cooked rice. Let it cool slightly before filling the inari pouches.
Assembling the Inari Tofu
This is the final and most satisfying step!
Instructions for Assembly:
- Fill the Pouches: Carefully open the fried tofu pouches. Fill each pouch generously with the seasoned rice, using a spoon or chopsticks. You can gently press the rice to make sure it's packed in.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature. Inari tofu is delicious on its own, or as a part of a larger meal.
Tips and Variations
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter inari tofu, add a little more sugar to the rice seasoning. Conversely, for a less sweet version, reduce the sugar.
- Add Vegetables: For a more substantial filling, you can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or shiitake mushrooms to the rice.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the inari pouches and the seasoned rice ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.
Enjoy your homemade inari tofu! This recipe is a fantastic way to introduce yourself to Japanese cuisine, and the satisfying result is sure to impress. Remember to share your delicious creations with friends and family!
