Tortoiseshell Tofu

Directions

1. 1
   If you are using anything other than silken tofu, you will need to press it for an hour-- but do NOT press silken tofu; it will crumble.
2. 2
   Mix dashi, sugar, mirin, and soy sauce in a medium-sized pot and bring to a boil.
3. 3
   Turn down to a simmer.
4. 4
   Taste: the flavor will be out of balance, a bit too sweet.
5. 5
   Add salt a bit at a time, tasting often, until the flavors are balanced.
6. 6
   Cut the tofu cake into four equal pieces and carefully slide them into the pot.
7. 7
   Be careful to keep the heat at a simmer-- higher heat will make the tofu crumble.
8. 8
   Ladle the liquid over the top and sides until the tofu is heated thoroughly, about 4 minutes.
9. 9
   With a spatula, gently remove the tofu pieces to deep individual dishes, 2 pieces per serving.
10. 10
    Keep the pot on the heat.
11. 11
    Mix the water and cornstarch and add to the simmering liquid.
12. 12
    Stir until thickened, about 1 minute.
13. 13
    Ladle the thickened sauce over the heated tofu.
14. 14
    Garnish with ginger.
15. 15
    Eat with teaspoons rather than chopsticks; this is very soft.
16. 16
    For Vegetarian use Dashi.