Agedashi Tofu / Japanese Fried Tofu

Agedashi Tofu are deep fried tofu pieces accompanied with a soya based dipping sauce and they are usually served as an appetizer. If you cannot find mirin and dried silver pomfret, then use medium-dry sherry and anchovy instead. Some food police would tell you that this is then not a traditional Japanese appetizer, nevertheless, the dish does taste delicious and good enough for me to recommend it. I love every bite of this crunchy and soft Tofu.

	Dipping
200 g Regular firm tofu 100 g Cornstarch 1 tbsp Seaweed, shredded Frying oil	20 g White radish, minced 5-8 g Fresh chillies, finely chopped 2 tbsp Soya sauce 1 tbsp Mirin (sweet rice wine) 1 tbsp Dried sliver pomfret 1 tsp Sesame seeds, toasted 1/2 tsp White vinegar

1. Cut the tofu into 3-inch squares or any desired patterns. Mix all the ingredients for the dipping sauce in a small pan and bring it to a boil.
2. Heat the oil to very hot for frying. Coat the tofu squares with cornstarch and deep-fry them until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Place fried tofu squares in a serving bowl. Pour the prepared dipping sauce over. Garnish it with shredded seaweed and parsley if desired.