Hello, dear readers! Today, I’m sharing a dish that’s near and dear to my heart, inspired by my love for Japanese cuisine and the simplicity it brings to the table. Introducing our star of the day: Soy-Glazed Tofu Donburi with Steamed Broccoli and Sesame Seeds. This delightful bowl is all about comforting flavors, healthy ingredients, and a bit of zen at dinnertime.
In our bustling household of six, it’s always a challenge to find something that pleases everyone. But this recipe manages to tick all the boxes: it’s flavorful, nutritious, and satisfyingly filling. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to include more tofu in our meals, which is an excellent protein source and absorbs all those savory flavors perfectly.
As any parent might understand, meals need to be quick yet nourishing for my lively bunch. This donburi dish strikes that balance beautifully. Donburi, which means “bowl” in Japanese, is essentially a rice bowl with various toppings. It’s the ultimate comfort food – simple, hearty, and oh-so-delicious.
Let me walk you through why it’s become a family favorite. First off, the tofu is coated in a tempting glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and a touch of sugar, creating that perfect umami combination that satisfies the taste buds. Pan-frying the tofu ensures each piece has a golden, crispy exterior – the kind that makes you reach for seconds.
Then comes the steamed broccoli – a vibrant touch of green that pairs wonderfully with the savory tofu. It’s lightly steamed to maintain its crunch and nutrients. My kids love it, particularly with the sesame seeds sprinkled on top, which add an extra dimension of flavor and texture.
For those of you who enjoy experimenting with toppings, this dish is versatile enough for customization. You could add a soft-boiled egg or a drizzle of spicy sriracha for an extra kick. Occasionally, I’ll toss in some edamame or even a handful of pickled ginger for that tangy twist.
What I love most about this soy-glazed tofu donburi is how it brings a moment of calm to our dinner table. Despite the whirlwind of daily life, it’s a reminder of the joy found in simple, wholesome foods.
So, why not gather your family, prepare this lovely dish, and indulge in the harmony of flavors? I promise, you’ll find it brings as much happiness to your home as it does to ours. Enjoy!
Ingredients
– 400g firm tofu
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons mirin
– 1 tablespoon sake
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 200g broccoli florets
– 250g cooked short-grain rice
– 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
– 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
Method
1. Start by drying the tofu: Wrap the 400g firm tofu in a clean kitchen towel, place a heavy object on top, and let it sit for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons mirin, 1 tablespoon sake, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Place in a bowl and dust with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes. Fry them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
5. While the tofu is cooking, steam the broccoli: Fill a saucepan with 1 inch of water and bring to a boil. Place 200g broccoli florets in a steamer basket and set it over the boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
6. Once the tofu is crispy, add the prepared sauce mix to the pan. Toss the tofu gently with the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
7. Remove the tofu from the heat and drizzle with 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Stir in the minced clove of garlic.
8. To assemble the dish, divide 250g cooked short-grain rice between two bowls. Top with soy-glazed tofu and steamed broccoli.
9. Garnish each bowl with 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced spring onions.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your Japanese comfort bowl.
