Ganmodoki Fried Tofu Dumpling Recipe

By Setsuko Yoshizuka

Updated 08/28/17

Soybean, Tofu,
IMAGEMORE Co, Ltd./Creative RF/Getty Images
  • Total: 35 mins
  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yield: 12 pieces (serves 1-2)

Ganmodoki is a deep-fried tofu dumpling often cooked in nimono (simmered dishes), such as oden. A variety of ingredients can be mixed in to make it your own.

Ingredients

  • 1 cotton (firm) tofu, about 14 oz
  • 1 oz carrot, peeled and cut into short and thin strips
  • 4 shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1 oz nagaimo yam, peeled and grated
  • 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 beaten egg
  • oil for deep-frying
  • 2 tsp grated ginger

Steps to Make It

  1. To drain tofu, wrap tofu with paper towels and place it on a flat tray. Put a cutting board or a flat plate on top the tofu and let sit for about 15 minutes. Lightly squeeze tofu in a cotton cloth to drain out excess water.

  2. Place the tofu in a large bowl or a Suribachi grinding bowl and mash it with a masher or a Surikogi pestle until smooth.

  3. Add carrot, shiitake, yamaimo, egg, sesame seeds, and flour in the mashed tofu and mix well.

  4. Season with salt.

  5. Heat oil for deep-frying to 340-350 F.

  6. Put tofu in the oil, shaping into small ovals.

  7. Deep-fry tofu pieces until golden brown and drain well.

  8. Serve soy sauce and grated ginger on the side.