Hot Tofu (Yudofu)

Step 1

Gather all the ingredients.

Step 2

Remove any dust or particles on kombu with a damp cloth (Never wash under running water!) but leave the white powdery substances which contribute to the umami flavor in the stock.

Step 3

In donabe (Japanese clay pot), put dashi kombu and pour water till 70% full. Let the kombu soak for 1-2 hours. Or you can soak the kombu while cooking on the lowest heat for 15 minutes if you are in a hurry.

Step 4

Meanwhile, make the sauce. Put sauce ingredients in a small sauce pan.

Step 5

When boiling, add bonito flakes (katsuobushi).

Step 6

Mix well with chopsticks and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7

Pour the sauce into a small serving dish. You don’t have to strain; it’s okay if some bonito flakes go into the sauce.

Step 8

These leftover bonito flakes have a nice flavor and you can use it as filling for Okaka Onigiri.

Step 9

When the kombu dashi stock is ready (after 1-2 hours), bring the stock to a boil on medium-high heat. Once boiling, add sake and salt.

Step 10

When boiling again, cut the tofu to any size you like (whole tofu, halves, 6 pieces, etc) and put it in the kombu dashi stock.

Step 11

When tofu is heated through, add mitsuba. If you plan to use other vegetables, make sure are they cooked thoroughly.

Step 12

Serve with the sauce and toppings of your choice while the tofu is hot.