Crispy Japanese Tofu Bites Recipe

Name: Crispy Japanese Tofu Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Caramelized Soy Sauce (Jiang You Gao); 2 tablespoons mirin; 1/3 cup light sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons water (adjust for tasting); 2 tablespoons light cane sugar; 2 tablespoons grated daikon; Composing the Tofu; 1 tofu, cut into bite size squares (1.5 in cubes); potato flour or corn starch for coating; oil for frying; chopped green onion; grounded white pepper; japanese seven flavor chili pepper (any chili pepper is fine); 1 teaspoon grated ginger (for each tofu)

Servings: persons

Caramelized Soy Sauce (Jiang You Gao)
2 tablespoons mirin
1/3 cup light sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons water (adjust for tasting)
2 tablespoons light cane sugar
2 tablespoons grated daikon
Composing the Tofu
1 tofu, cut into bite size squares (1.5 in cubes)
potato flour or corn starch for coating
oil for frying
chopped green onion
grounded white pepper
japanese seven flavor chili pepper (any chili pepper is fine)
1 teaspoon grated ginger (for each tofu)

1
Boil the mirin until the smell of alcohol has evaporated, about 2 min; add the soy sauce and water until boiling, add the sugar and let it simmer in the lowest fire until it is reduced and syrupy, about 5-8 minutes. Dab a drop onto tongue and adjust with a tsp of water at a time if it is too salty, take off heat and let it cool completely; add the grated daikon and mixing it well, set aside.
2
Cut the tofu block into cubes; wrap around layers of paper towels and let it sit from 30-60minutes. The paper towel should be well-soaked. In the meantime, grate ginger, and chop green onions, setting it aside.
3
Heat 1 inch of oil in a pan until 375; coat the tofu generously in potato starch and fry it until all sides are golden brown. Delicately scoop out the middle of the tofu and set aside for future use if desired. Gently put a tsp of grated ginger in the middle, a tsp of caramelized soy sauce mix, topped it generously with green onion, grounded white pepper and chili pepper. Option: serve with a side of pickled cabbage and a dash of red chili sauce.
4
Enjoy the oozing bite!

kcal

Calories

Carbs

Protein

Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Caramelized Soy Sauce (Jiang You Gao), 2 tablespoons mirin, 1/3 cup light sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons water (adjust for tasting), and more.

Yes, Crispy Japanese Tofu Bites falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Crispy Japanese Tofu Bites

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions