JJapanese Food

Tofu Steak (豆腐ステーキ)

  • March 31, 2026


Tofu Steak (豆腐ステーキ) is a dish where firm tofu is pan-fried until fragrant and coated in a sweet and savory Japanese-style sauce. This dish can be easily made with affordable ingredients, and it has become a staple healthy main dish on the Japanese dining table, as it contains no meat.

This recipe boasts a rich, hearty, sweet and savory flavor, yet it retains the simple nature of the tofu, enhanced by the umami of garlic, mushrooms, and Japanese-style dashi in the sauce. Due to its rich flavor, it is highly popular as a side dish that goes well with both rice and beer, and is ready in just 20 minutes.

Tofu Steak (豆腐ステーキ)

Prep time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2

INGREDIENTS (Serves 2)

1 block firm tofu (momen dōfu, or grilled tofu is also OK)

2 small green onions (konegi)

1 garlic clove

1 shiitake mushroom

【A】1.5 tbsp mirin (sweet rice wine)

【A】1.5 tbsp soy sauce

【A】1 tbsp sugar

【A】1 tbsp vinegar

【A】0.25 tsp Japanese-style dashi powder (granulated)

3 tbsp all-purpose flour

1.5 tbsp sesame oil

2 pinches of white toasted sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Cut the tofu block in half, place it on a microwaveable plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and heat in a 600W microwave for 3 minutes.

  2. Thinly slice the small green onion.

  3. Cut off the root end of the garlic, peel it, and slice it thinly.

  4. Cut off and discard the tough stem of the shiitake mushroom and slice the mushroom cap thinly.

  5. Quickly mix the (A) ingredients (mirin, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and dashi powder) in a small bowl.

  6. Once the tofu from Step 1 has cooled slightly, discard the water accumulated on the plate. Wrap the tofu in a clean cloth (or paper towel) to absorb the excess moisture.

  7. Cut the tofu into 12 equal pieces and coat evenly with all-purpose flour. Tap to remove any excess flour.

  8. Heat the sesame oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Arrange the tofu so that the pieces are not touching on one side of the pan. Place the shiitake mushroom and garlic in the other half of the pan. Fry the tofu for about 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy, trying not to touch it. Stir-fry the shiitake mushroom and garlic as needed to prevent scorching.

  9. Flip the tofu and fry for about 3 minutes. Continue to stir-fry the shiitake mushroom and garlic as in Step 8. Drizzle the mixed sauce (A) over the tofu and mushrooms.

  10. Simmer and toss for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

  11. Serve on a plate and scatter with small green onion and white toasted sesame seeds.

TIPS & NOTES

・If you like garlic and shiitake mushroom, increase the quantity to 2 cloves and 2 mushrooms. More is better than less for flavor.

・The key is to tap the tofu to remove excess flour. Applying too much flour will result in a slightly sticky texture.

・Once the sauce thickens, it can quickly scorch. Do not leave the pan unattended.

by TokyoRecipes_byNadia