Nira Itame Tofu, or garlic chives stir-fried tofu, is a simple yet incredibly flavorful Japanese side dish that's perfect for weeknight meals. Its delicate balance of savory and slightly sweet notes makes it a delightful complement to rice, noodles, or as part of a larger Japanese spread. The dish features the subtle pungency of garlic chives, perfectly offset by the creamy texture of silken tofu, all brought together with a light yet satisfying sauce. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for adjustments based on your personal preferences and available ingredients. You can easily adjust the amount of garlic chives or soy sauce to suit your taste.
This incredibly quick and easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it ideal for even the busiest of cooks. Ready to experience the delicious simplicity of Nira Itame Tofu? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this wonderful dish.
Tools Needed
- Tray
- Kitchen paper
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Tofu (preferably cotton tofu)
- Pork (minced)
- Eggs
- Ginger
- Chives
- Potato starch
- Soy sauce
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Crumble the tofu and place it on a tray lined with kitchen paper to drain excess water. (This prevents the dish from becoming watery.)
- Chop the chives into 2-3cm pieces. Don't discard the root parts, as they're nutritious and flavorful.
- Mix potato starch with a little water, then whisk in the eggs. Add soy sauce for flavor. (Potato starch helps bind water, soy sauce adds depth.)
- Grate ginger and mix it with soy sauce. (This will be used as a dipping sauce.)
Step 2. Stir-fry Tofu and Meat
- Add a little salt to the minced meat and stir-fry until cooked through.
- Add the slightly drained tofu to the pan and stir-fry until heated through.
Step 3. Add Chives and Egg
- Add the chives and stir-fry briefly until fragrant.
- Pour the egg mixture around the edges of the pan, wait briefly, then gently mix in from the outside to avoid breaking the eggs. Stir until cooked through.
Read more: Shojin Ryori: Delicious Buddhist Vegetarian Recipes
Tips
- Don't drain too much water from the tofu initially, but a slight drain helps avoid a watery final dish.
- Lightly seasoning the tofu allows the ginger soy sauce to enhance the flavor without making it watery.
- The ginger soy sauce is not sweet and provides a refreshing contrast to the tofu.
- Adding the egg mixture around the edges and waiting before mixing helps keep the egg moist and flavorful.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 10-15g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of tofu?
Yes! Firm or extra-firm tofu will work well, just ensure to press it beforehand to remove excess water for a better texture.
2. What can I serve this with?
Nira Itame Tofu pairs perfectly with steamed rice, noodles (soba or udon), or as part of a larger Japanese meal. It's also delicious alongside grilled meats or fish.
This simple Nira Itame Tofu recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious and healthy food doesn't have to be complicated. Enjoy this flavorful side dish as a quick weeknight meal or as a delightful addition to your next Japanese-inspired feast. We hope you enjoyed making this recipe as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you!