Yudofu (Simmered Tofu)
This classic Japanese dish features gently simmered tofu in a delicate kombu dashi broth. It's a simple, comforting, and nourishing meal, often served with a flavorful dipping sauce.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 25 min
- Serves
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 185 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten, sesame, and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 400 gfirm tofu, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
dashi
- 10 gkombu, wiped clean, roughly 10x10 cm piece
- 4 cupwater
dipping sauce
- 2 tbspsoy sauce, gluten-free if needed
- 1 tbspmirin
- 1 tsprice vinegar
garnish
- 1 pcsscallion, thinly sliced(optional)
- 0.5 tspshichimi togarashi(optional)
Equipment
pot · cutting board · knife · small bowl
The method
Step by step
- 1
Add the water and kombu to a medium pot or donabe (Japanese clay pot).
- 2
Let the kombu soak in the water for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to extract flavor.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Soaking longer creates a more flavorful dashi.
- 3
While the kombu soaks, prepare the dipping sauce by combining the soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
About 2 min
- 4
Gently heat the kombu and water over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Boiling kombu can make the dashi bitter.
- 5
Just before the water reaches a boil and small bubbles appear around the edges, remove the kombu from the pot.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: You can reserve the kombu to make a second, weaker dashi or finely chop it and add to other dishes.
- 6
Carefully add the tofu cubes to the kombu dashi.
About 1 min
- 7
Simmer the tofu gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to warm through without boiling vigorously.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: The goal is to gently warm the tofu, not cook it further.
- 8
Serve the warm yudofu immediately in individual bowls with a portion of the dipping sauce on the side.
- 9
Garnish with sliced scallion and a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi, if desired.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 185kcal
- Protein
- 17.3g
- Carbs
- 9.2g
- Fat
- 9.7g
- Fibre
- 1.1g
- Sugar
- 4.6g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover yudofu and dipping sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat the tofu in the dashi on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, or microwave briefly.
More recipes
All recipeslunch
Five-Spice Pressed Tofu
This recipe transforms firm tofu into a flavorful, chewy protein source with a simple five-spice marinade. Perfect for adding to stir-fries, salads, or enjoying on its own. Pressing the tofu is key for optimal texture and flavor absorption.
1 hr 15 min 192 kcalsnack
Isso Vadai (Spicy Lentil Fritters with Shrimp)
Isso Vadai are savory, spicy fritters made from red lentils, onions, and green chilies, topped with a whole shrimp. They are a popular street food snack in Sri Lanka, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor.
2 hr 50 min 393 kcallunch
Peri-Peri Tofu Steaks
Firm tofu slices are marinated in a spicy peri-peri sauce, then pan-fried until golden and slightly crispy. This flavorful and satisfying dish is perfect for a quick and vibrant meal.
1 hr 5 min 420 kcalmain course
Pasticada
Pasticada is a rich and savory Croatian beef stew, traditionally made with beef eye of round or top round. The meat is marinated, then slow-cooked with vegetables and prunes until incredibly tender. This dish is often served with homemade gnocchi.
15 hr 1,148 kcallunch
Tofu Saganaki Skewers
These vegan skewers offer a delightful take on Greek saganaki, featuring pan-fried tofu marinated in lemon and herbs. They are perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful dinner, grilled to perfection with a hint of ouzo.
1 hr 5 min 262 kcalsoup
Hot and Sour Soup
This classic Chinese-inspired soup offers a delightful balance of spicy and tangy flavors. It's packed with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu in a savory broth, thickened slightly for a comforting texture. A perfect starter or light meal.
45 min 137 kcalmain course
Galinha De Cabidela (Chicken In Blood Sauce)
This traditional Portuguese dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory sauce thickened with fresh chicken blood and vinegar. The unique combination creates a deeply flavorful and slightly tangy stew, often served with white rice. It's a rustic and comforting meal.
1 hr 30 min 671 kcal