Konbu-Dashi Simmered Tofu with Miso Glaze
A delicate Japanese home-cooked dish where firm tofu absorbs the umami depth of kelp broth, finished with a sweet-savory miso glaze that clings to every crevice. This japanese-inspired slow cooker (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs firm tofu, dashi stock, white miso paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 4 cups dashi stock
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 thinly sliced fresh scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 14 oz firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and place in a shallow dish. Pour 4 cups dashi stock over tofu, ensuring all pieces are submerged, and let soak for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp mirin, and 1 tsp sugar until smooth. Add 1 tsp toasted sesame oil and mix well.
- Step 3: Gently pour miso mixture over tofu in the dish, coating all pieces. Cover and simmer gently on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and clings to tofu.
- Step 4: Transfer tofu to a serving dish, spooning excess sauce over top. Garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Konbu-Dashi Simmered Tofu with Miso Glaze 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 Konbu-Dashi Simmered Tofu with Miso Glaze?
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 firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Konbu-Dashi Simmered Tofu with Miso Glaze?
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 Konbu-Dashi Simmered Tofu with Miso Glaze 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 Konbu-Dashi Simmered Tofu with Miso Glaze 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
