Japanese Sake-Braised Tofu
Silken tofu simmered in a savory-sweet sake glaze with umami-rich dashi. This japanese-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs block, firm tofu, sake, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 block, firm tofu
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1/2 cup dashi stock
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
Instructions
- Step 1: Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: In a heavy skillet, heat 1 tbsp soy sauce over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp grated ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add tofu cubes and cook until lightly browned, 5-7 minutes. Pour in 1/4 cup sake and 1/2 cup dashi stock, then add 1 tbsp mirin and 1 tsp sugar. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until tofu is tender and sauce has thickened. Serve with steamed rice and a drizzle of soy sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Japanese Sake-Braised Tofu take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Japanese Sake-Braised Tofu?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep block, firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Japanese Sake-Braised Tofu?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Japanese Sake-Braised Tofu for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Japanese Sake-Braised Tofu vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
