Tofu Donburi

Tofu Donburi Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of steamed Japanese rice
• 1 block (14 ounces) of firm tofu, drained and sliced
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of mirin
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• A handful of spinach leaves or any leafy green
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Pickled ginger for serving (optional)
• Nori (seaweed) strips for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tofu: Drain and press the tofu to remove excess water. Slice it into 1/2 inch thick rectangles.
2. Cook the Tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Gently fry the tofu slices until golden on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and grated ginger. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Return Tofu to Pan: Add the tofu back to the pan, coating each piece in the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat.
5. Prepare Vegetables: Quickly blanch the spinach or leafy greens and julienne the carrot. Set aside.
6. Assemble the Donburi: Scoop a serving of steamed rice into a bowl. Place a few slices of the glazed tofu on top of the rice. Arrange the spinach, carrots, and green onions around the tofu.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish. Add strips of nori and pickled ginger if desired. Serve the Tofu Donburi immediately while warm.

Tips: For an extra flavor boost, you can add a soft-boiled egg on top or drizzle with a little sriracha or mayonnaise. Feel free to include other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for more variety.