Tofu Dengaku (Grilled Tofu Skewers)

Ingredients:

Protein:

• 1 block of firm tofu (350 calories, $2.00)

Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons of miso paste (60 calories, $0.50)
• 2 tablespoons of mirin (41 calories, $0.50)
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (10 calories, $0.25)
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (52 calories, $0.25)
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar (2 calories, $0.25)

Skewers:

• 4 wooden skewers, soaked in water (calorie and cost negligible)

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Total Calories: 515
Total Cost: $3.75
Total Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Servings: 4

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Grill: Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using an outdoor grill, ensure that the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. If using a grill pan, heat it on the stove over medium-high heat until hot and ready for the tofu. A properly preheated grill will help create those beautiful, caramelized grill marks on the tofu, adding both texture and flavor.
2. Drain and Press the Tofu: Drain the block of firm tofu from its packaging and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. To remove excess liquid, place something heavy on top, such as a cast-iron skillet or a can of beans. Press the tofu for about 10-15 minutes to ensure it becomes firmer and can absorb more of the marinade. This step is crucial because tofu holds a lot of water, and pressing it will help it better absorb the delicious miso marinade and achieve a firmer texture that’s perfect for grilling.
3. Cut the Tofu: Once the tofu has been pressed, cut it into 16 equal-sized cubes. You can aim for cubes about 1-inch in size, but feel free to adjust based on your preferred serving size. Cutting the tofu into uniform pieces will ensure even grilling and make it easier to thread onto the skewers. These cubes will hold up well on the skewers and cook evenly on the grill.
4. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined, creating a smooth and flavorful marinade. The miso paste gives the marinade a rich umami flavor, while the mirin adds a slight sweetness and the rice vinegar provides a balanced acidity. The soy sauce and brown sugar work together to enhance the savory-sweet profile, creating a glaze that will caramelize beautifully on the tofu during grilling.
5. Thread the Tofu onto Skewers: Take the soaked wooden skewers and carefully thread four cubes of tofu onto each skewer. Leave a small gap between each tofu cube to allow for even cooking and to prevent them from sticking together. Threading the tofu onto skewers makes it easy to handle on the grill and ensures that the tofu cooks evenly on all sides. Additionally, it gives the dish an appealing presentation when served on the skewers.
6. Brush the Tofu with Marinade: Once the tofu is threaded onto the skewers, use a brush to generously coat each skewer with the miso marinade. Be sure to cover all sides of the tofu cubes to ensure they are well-seasoned and flavorful. The marinade will soak into the tofu, enhancing its flavor and creating a glossy, caramelized finish once grilled. Don’t worry if some of the marinade drips off – it will all come together as the tofu grills.
7. Grill the Tofu: Place the tofu skewers on the preheated grill or grill pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Grill the tofu for about 3-4 minutes per side or until the tofu develops grill marks and becomes golden brown. During grilling, continue to brush the tofu with the remaining marinade every couple of minutes to build layers of flavor and encourage caramelization. The tofu will become slightly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and moist on the inside.
8. Check for Doneness: As the tofu cooks, you’ll notice it gradually turning golden and developing a deliciously smoky flavor from the grill. After about 3-4 minutes per side, check to make sure the tofu is heated through and the glaze has become slightly thickened and sticky. The tofu should be firm but tender, with a perfectly grilled exterior.
9. Serve the Tofu Skewers: Once the tofu skewers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. Serve the skewers hot as a protein-packed appetizer or main dish. For extra flavor, you can drizzle more of the miso marinade over the skewers or sprinkle a few sesame seeds for added texture.
10. Enjoy Your Tofu Dengaku: You can enjoy the Tofu Dengaku skewers as a stand-alone dish or pair them with steamed rice, vegetables, or a simple salad. These skewers are perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or even a fun and flavorful appetizer for a gathering. The grilled tofu is savory, sweet, and full of umami, with a satisfying smoky flavor that pairs well with the rich miso marinade.

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Serving Suggestions:

• As a Side Dish: Serve the Tofu Dengaku skewers alongside other Japanese dishes like miso soup, steamed rice, or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
• On a Grain Bowl: For a more filling dish, you can add the skewers to a rice or quinoa bowl, topped with sautéed greens, avocado, and a drizzle of soy sauce or sesame dressing.
• With Noodles: The skewers can also be served over soba or udon noodles, adding both protein and flavor to a simple noodle dish. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for extra crunch and freshness.

Variations and Customizations:

• Add Vegetables: You can easily customize the tofu skewers by adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms between the tofu cubes on the skewers. These vegetables will soak up the marinade and add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
• Spicy Option: If you like a little heat, consider adding a teaspoon of chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick that complements the savory-sweet glaze.
• Grill Marks: For an extra smoky flavor, grill the tofu skewers over an open flame or a charcoal grill. The high heat of an open flame will give the tofu a more distinct char and elevate the overall flavor.

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Note:
Tofu Dengaku is a classic Japanese dish that’s both delicious and versatile. The miso-based marinade provides a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors that bring out the best in the tofu. Whether you serve it as a quick weeknight meal, a delicious appetizer, or as part of a larger spread, these grilled tofu skewers will surely become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy!