Bamboo Shoot Mixed Rice & Thickened Tofu: A Delicious Japanese Recipe

Discover a delightful taste of Japan with this recipe for Bamboo Shoot Mixed Rice with Thickened Tofu – a harmonious blend of textures and flavors perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. This recipe showcases the subtle earthiness of bamboo shoots, complemented by the silky smoothness of thickened tofu and the fragrant warmth of rice. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that's surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it visually appealing, transforming a simple meal into a culinary experience.

This satisfying and healthy dish is surprisingly quick to make, combining the best of Japanese culinary traditions with readily available ingredients. The unique preparation of the tofu adds a luxurious touch without added complexity. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's delve into the step-by-step instructions and create this delicious Bamboo Shoot Mixed Rice with Thickened Tofu together!

Tools Needed

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Rice and Meat Mixture

  • Mix minced meat, grated ginger, soy sauce, salt, 1 tablespoon of alcohol, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. (Mix before turning on the heat)
  • Heat a frying pan to medium heat. Add the meat mixture and cook, stirring until the meat is cooked and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
  • Cut boiled octopus and fish into thin slices. Cut fried tofu and bamboo shoots into thin strips.
  • Add the prepared ingredients (fried tofu, bamboo shoots, boiled octopus, fish) to the cooked meat in the pan. Pour in kelp water.
Heat a frying pan to medium heat. Add the meat mixture and cook, stirring until the meat is cooked and the liquid has mostly evaporated.Prepare the other ingredients: Cut boiled octopus and fish into thin slices. Cut fried tofu and bamboo shoots into thin strips.Add the prepared ingredients (fried tofu, bamboo shoots, boiled octopus, fish) to the cooked meat in the pan. Pour in kelp water.
Prepare the Rice and Meat Mixture
  • Simmer on medium heat until most of the liquid evaporates (5-7 minutes).
  • Set aside half of the mixed rice for later use. Mix the other half with cooked rice.
Simmer on medium heat until most of the liquid evaporates (5-7 minutes).Set aside half of the mixed rice for later use. Mix the other half with cooked rice.
Prepare the Rice and Meat Mixture

Step 2. Cook the Thickened Tofu

  • Add 100ml of water to the remaining mixture in the pan. Mix in water-dissolved cornstarch/potato starch (ratio of water to starch is approximately 1.5:1).
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened. Turn off the heat once during the thickening process to prevent lumps.
  • Garnish the thickened tofu with chopped green onions and white sesame seeds.
For the thickened tofu: Add 100ml of water to the remaining mixture in the pan. Mix in water-dissolved cornstarch/potato starch (ratio of water to starch is approximately 1.5:1).
Cook the Thickened Tofu

Step 3. Assemble the Dish

  • Serve the mixed rice topped with the thickened tofu.
Serve the mixed rice topped with the thickened tofu.
Assemble the Dish

Read more: Ochazuke Recipe: Easy Japanese Green Tea Rice Bowl

Tips

  • Mixing the meat mixture before cooking helps create a moist and even texture.
  • Using kelp water enhances the flavor of the mixed rice.
  • Washing fried tofu at 50°C helps retain flavor.
  • Turning off the heat once when thickening the tofu helps prevent lumps.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the bamboo shoots with another vegetable?

Yes! Asparagus, green beans, or even mushrooms would work well as substitutes, offering a slightly different flavor profile.

2. How can I make the thickened tofu?

Simply press the tofu to remove excess water, then crumble it and gently sauté it with a little soy sauce and cornstarch until it thickens.


This Bamboo Shoot Mixed Rice with Thickened Tofu recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, showcasing the best of Japanese cuisine in a simple, accessible way. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish as a satisfying meal any time of the year. We hope you've enjoyed this recipe and will try making it soon!