Characteristics of Ganmoki and recommended recipes: Home cooking that tastes traditional

Japan's traditional food culture includes a wide variety of dishes that make use of seasonal ingredients

Among them, "ganmodoki," which is made primarily from tofu, has been loved by many people for its unique texture and flavor. This time, we will explore the appeal of ganmodoki and introduce some easy recipes to enjoy at home

What is ganmodoki?

Ganmodoki is a dish made by crumbling tofu, mixing it well with grated yam, adding ingredients such as carrots and sesame seeds, rolling it into balls, and deep-frying it. The dish's name comes from the fact that it tastes similar to wild goose meat

It was originally commercialized by tofu makers as a type of vegetarian cuisine, and is also known as "hiryuuzu" in the Kansai region in particular

Ganmodoki come in a variety of shapes, from large, flat shapes to bite-sized round shapes. The ingredients used also vary depending on the region and household, and some are made with luxurious ingredients such as lily root, gentian nuts, hemp seeds, and wood ear mushrooms

How to choose and eat

The key to choosing high-quality ganmodoki is to choose one that is evenly fried, has a springy texture, and is thick. After draining the oil, like fried tofu and thick tofu, it is used as an ingredient in simmered dishes and oden, but it can also be used in a variety of other dishes

Recommended recipes using ganmodoki

Chinese-style soup

• Ingredients (serves 4) : 12 pieces of ganmodoki, 50g minced pork, 1 teaspoon chopped green onion, a little Chinese soup base + 5 cups of water, 30g dried glass noodles, 1 pack of kaiwarenai, soy sauce, pepper, salt
• How to make : Drain the oil from the ganmodoki, then mix the minced pork with green onions, soy sauce, and pepper, stuff the mixture into the ganmodoki, and simmer in the soup. Finally, add the glass noodles and kaiwarena (spicy mustard greens) and it's done.

Stir-fried tofu and vegetables

• Ingredients (serves 4) : 4 ganmodoki, 6 dried shiitake mushrooms, 40g green beans, 3 cups dashi, salt, sugar, light soy sauce, mirin
• How to make : Drain the oil from the ganmodoki, cut it in half, and simmer it in dashi stock with shiitake mushrooms and green beans. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables to keep them colorful.

Ganmodoki, with its unique texture and flavor, is an essential ingredient on the Japanese diet

Try out a variety of dishes, including the recipes introduced here. You can easily enjoy traditional Japanese flavors at home