Todenpidon

Todenpidon is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of deep-fried tofu served with a savory dashi-based sauce. It is a popular item in izakayas and bento boxes. The tofu is typically firm or extra-firm, cut into bite-sized pieces, and coated in a light batter or cornstarch before being fried to a crispy golden brown. The sauce, known as an dashi-yudedashi, is made from dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sometimes a touch of sugar, simmered together.

The fried tofu is usually placed in a bowl, and the hot sauce is poured over it, allowing the tofu to absorb some of the flavorful liquid. Often, todenpidon is garnished with finely chopped green onions, grated daikon radish, or a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice blend) for added flavor and visual appeal. The combination of the crispy exterior of the tofu and the tender, savory interior, complemented by the umami-rich sauce, makes todenpidon a satisfying and comforting dish. While the preparation is relatively simple, variations exist in the specific ingredients and proportions used in the sauce, as well as the type of tofu chosen.