Today’s recipe features silky tofu topped with a comforting Japanese-style Soboro sauce, flavored with white dashi and fresh ginger.
☆ The sweet, delicate flavor is perfect for when you need some comfort food.
☆ A generous amount of thick sauce over soft tofu makes for a hearty and satisfying dish.
20 minutes
Kitchen of Love & Healing
PROFILE
INGREDIENTS
SERVES 4
Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings
When scaling the recipe, the ratios of some ingredients may require slight adjustments. Adjust as necessary and season to taste.
- 1 1/4 lb and 2/3 oz silken tofu
- 7 oz ground chicken (thigh recommended)
- 0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
- 0.5 Japanese long onion, white part only
- 1/2 tbsp. sesame oil
- 1 tsp. sake
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp. salt (for tofu)
- a pinch of salt (for onions)
- A3/4 cup and 1 1/3 tbsp. water
- A3 tbsp. white dashi (10x concentrate)
- A2 tbsp. sake (or dry white wine)
- A2 tbsp. mirin
- A1/2 tbsp. sugar
- A1 tsp. soy sauce
- A1 tbsp. grated ginger
- A3 shakes ground black pepper
- A1 1/2 tbsp. potato starch (or cornstarch), mixed with 1 tbsp. water
INSTRUCTIONS
- 1
Prep the tofu.
Cut tofu into bite-sized cubes. Place in a saucepan with enough water to cover and add 1 tbsp. salt.
Bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 5 minutes. Drain in a colander and let sit for another 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
This will give the tofu a firmer, springy texture. - 2
Prepare the vegetables.
・Slice the Japanese long onion diagonally into ¼-inch-thick pieces.
・Finely chop the onion.
・Grate the ginger. - 3
Sauté the onion.
Heat 1 tbsp. vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Add the onion and a pinch of salt , and sauté until translucent. - 4
Cook the chicken.
Add the ground chicken and 1 tbsp. sake to the pan.
Increase to medium-high heat and cook thoroughly until the juices evaporate and the oil becomes clear.
This step draws out the chicken’s natural umami. - 5
Make the sauce.
Turn the heat to high. Add the Japanese long onion and all the Sauce A ingredients (water, dashi, 2 tbsp. sake, mirin, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, pepper, starch slurry). Be sure to stir the starch slurry again before adding it to the sauce mixture.
Cook until the mixture is bubbling and thickened, then finish with a drizzle of sesame oil. - 6
Serve.
Plate the warmed tofu and generously ladle the thick soboro sauce on top.
Since tofu releases moisture, assemble just before serving to keep the sauce thick and glossy.
RecipeID
100
Tips & Notes
・Use silken tofu for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
(Firm tofu or deep-fried tofu can also be used.)
・For meal prep, deep-fried tofu (atsuage) is recommended—it won’t release water like plain tofu.
・We used ground chicken thigh for juicy and moist results.
(Feel free to substitute breast, pork, or mixed ground meat.)
・Fresh grated ginger gives the dish a vibrant flavor.
・The sauce should be slightly thick —this enables it to coat the tofu beautifully and results in a beautiful silky texture.
MY RATING
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About Me I’m based in Aichi Prefecture and share home-cooked recipes created from my own unique perspective and intuition—recipes I truly believe are delicious. 🍀 With just a small twist on everyday dishes, my “magic recipes” can turn them into something irresistibly tasty. You might even discover some unexpected secret techniques or hidden flavors! I carefully explain each step, sharing the purpose and principles behind it so you can understand not only how to cook, but also why. To me, cooking is a heartfelt creation—your personal message to the people you care about. That message travels through the food, sparking a silent conversation the moment they take a bite. I hope you’ll enjoy those beautiful, unspoken conversations, and create special moments that spread warmth and connection. Awards & Achievements ・ April 2025 – House Foods “Kaori Salt” Recipe Contest – House Foods Award ・ November 2024 – S&B Foods Mustard Recipe Contest – MAILLE Award ・ May 2024 – Kikkoman “Wagaya wa Yakinikuya-san” Recipe Contest – Grand Prize ・ May 2024 – Yamaki Dashi Pack Recipe Contest – Grand Prize ・ 2023 – Nadia Best Video Award, Artist Meal Plan Award, and Monthly MVP ・ Featured in Nadia Magazine Vol. 09, 12, and 13 Cooking is a letter from the heart—let’s fill it with love.