Ingredients

• 8 oz block tofu
• 3 tbsp arrowroot
• Mitoku Sesame Oil or other light vegetable oil for deep frying
• 1 cup Mitoku Dried Arame
• Water to cover Arame
• 1 tbsp Mitoku Organic Mirin
• ½ tbsp Mitoku Organic Shoyu Soy Sauce
• 2 bunches watercress, cut into 1-inch lengths

Preparation Method

1. To remove excess moisture, wrap tofu in a clean, dry kitchen towel and place on a wooden cutting board. Place a 2-3 pound weight on top and leave 20-30 minutes. Uncover tofu, cut crosswise into 1-inch slices, then cut slices into 3-inch cubes.
2. Roll tofu cubes in arrowroot to lightly coat all surfaces.
3. In a small, deep pot, heat 2 inches oil to 350°F. Add several pieces of tofu (do not overcrowd pot) and fry until golden brown. (Remove all pieces from one batch before adding more tofu.) Drain fried tofu on absorbent paper towel.
4. Rinse arame quickly under cold water and soak 5-7 minutes. Drain, reserving soaking water, and rinse again.
5. Place arame in a pot and add soaking water (discarding any sediment). If needed, add fresh water to almost cover arame. Bring to a boil.
6. Add mirin. Cover pot, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.
7. Add shoyu and fried tofu. Cook until most liquid has evaporated (about 10 minutes).
8. Add watercress and mix well.
9. Place in a bowl and serve.

Recipe by John & Jan Belleme