Healthful Side Dishes

Three quick and easy side dishes that make their way into Shinji-san's bento. On top is kiriboshi daikon, or dried daikon simmered with carrots and abura-age (thin, deep-fried tofu).

In the middle is kinpira gobo. Quick stir-fried gobo and carrots in a sweet soy sauce.

On the bottom is hijiki, carrots and abura-age simmered until tender. Hijiki is rich in iron, calcium and fiber.

Tofu in The Washington Post - Not Just for Vegetarians

Bonnie Benwick writes an interesting article on tofu in The Washington Post. I sometimes do her suggestion to add tofu (I add soft tofu) to scrambled eggs. Also, it includes a link to a Mapo Dofu recipe.

Soy is good for the body, especially for women going through menopause. It may help reduce your heat flashes.

築地 野口屋 豆腐

Dips and Dressings from Tofu

Tofu makes for a great vehicle for toppings (see prior post). It is also a breeze to make dips and dressings based on creamy tofu.


Use the tofu to make a shira-ae dressing
tofu, nerigoma (roasted sesame paste), mirin, and salt

Shira-ae can be used to dress the following:
shungiku (chrysanthemum leaves)
carrots, shiitake mushrooms (that has been marinated in a savory soy broth)

Tuna Mayo
1/2 tofu, 1 can tuna, 2 T. minced onions, 2 T. chopped parsley, 3 T. mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper

Avocado Onion
1/2 tofu, 1 avocado, 1 large juiced lemon, 3 T. minced onions, tobasco, salt, extra virgin olive oil

Maple Peanuts
tofu, chunky peanut butter, maple syrup, lemon juice, salt

Beyond Tofu - what other goodies come from soy?

Soy in Japan comes in many forms, from edamame to kinako powder. In the article are some ideas for incorporating soy into your diet.

http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/535/dining.asp