Inari Sushi Sweet Savory Tofu Rice Pockets

Inari Sushi Sweet Savory Tofu Rice Pockets

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Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (300g) Japanese short grain rice, rinsed well
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) water
• ¼ cup (60ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt
• 12 pieces Inari age (seasoned fried tofu pockets, available in Asian grocery stores)
• 2 cups (480ml) water
• ½ cup (120ml) dashi (Japanese soup stock - or substitute with vegetable broth)
• ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) sake (optional, can substitute with water)
• Sesame seeds (black or white)
• Finely chopped green onions

Instructions:

• Rinse the rice, cook in a rice cooker or on the stovetop according to package directions.
• While the rice is cooking, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat gently until sugar and salt dissolve. Let cool.
• Gently fold the cooled sushi vinegar into the cooked rice until evenly distributed. Avoid mashing the rice.
• Gently open each tofu pouch.
• Soak the tofu pouches in hot water for 5 minutes to remove excess oil.
• Drain the pouches and gently squeeze out excess water, being careful not to tear them.
• In a medium saucepan, combine water, dashi, soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and sake. Bring to a simmer. Add the tofu pouches and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
• Remove the tofu pouches from the saucepan and let them cool completely. Gently squeeze out any remaining liquid.
• Gently open each tofu pouch and fill with a generous amount of sushi rice.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately or chilled. The Inari Sushi is ready to be served.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	275
Fat	12.5g
Fiber	1.5g

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	Japanese

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of Japan? Have you ever tried inari sushi ? It's like a sweet and savory hug in food form! The sweet tofu pockets with vinegared rice are seriously addictive.

Brief Overview

Inari sushi , or Japanese rice pockets , has ancient roots. It is thought to be the messenger of the god Inari.

These are easy to make. It will take about an hour and 15 minutes. This recipe makes about six servings.

Main Benefits

Fried tofu sushi is more than just tasty. It is also packed with protein from the tofu. It's ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, or a light dinner.

What makes this recipe special? The perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Gather Your Ingredients

Let's dive into the good stuff. Here’s what you’ll need:

Sushi Rice Magic

Grab 1 ½ cups of Japanese short grain rice. Don't forget the water, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Inari Age Dreams

You'll need 12 pieces of Inari age . Then get water, dashi (or veggie broth), soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and sake (optional).

Bits and Bobs

Sesame seeds and green onions are great for garnish. They make everything look extra fancy, you know ?

Get Prepped and Ready

Before you start, make sure you have all your gear ready. A rice cooker is super handy. You'll also need a saucepan, sieve, mixing bowl, and rice paddle.

Easy Japanese Recipes like this will become a staple.

My Own Tale of Tofu Terror...and Triumph

Okay, honestly , the first time I made this, the tofu pouches tore. I learned to handle them gently. It will be fine, and you will get it!

The Sweet and Savory Secret

The simmering sauce for the tofu is where the magic happens. This is the core for your Inari Sushi Recipe.

Tweak it to your liking. More sugar if you're a sweet tooth. More soy sauce if you love that umami kick.

How to Make Inari Sushi

It's all about the rice and those tofu pouches!

• Cook the rice right.
• Simmer the tofu until they're wonderfully soft.
• Stuff them full of rice and garnish to your heart's content.
• Ta-dah! Homemade Vegan Inari Sushi!

Variations and Substitutions

You can always mix things up a bit! Want Spicy Inari Sushi ? Add some Sriracha to the rice. No dashi? Veggie broth works great.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and a side of edamame. It's a delightful, easy Japanese meal!

Final Thoughts

Alright, let's whip up some Sweet Tofu Pockets ! Honestly, it's easier than it looks. Remember: cooking is an adventure, and you are the captain.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Inari Sushi Starter Pack

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make some banging Inari Sushi . Honestly, the ingredients are pretty straightforward. Even I, with my 'unique' cooking style, can handle it.

This Inari Sushi Recipe is easier than you think!

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Here's what you need, measurements and all:

• Sushi Rice: 1 ½ cups (300g) Japanese short grain rice. Get the good stuff; it makes a difference. Rinse it like you mean it.
• Water: 1 ½ cups (360ml) . For cooking the rice.
• Rice Vinegar: ¼ cup (60ml) . This is your secret weapon for that perfect sushi tang.
• Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . For a touch of sweetness.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . To balance the flavors.
• Inari Age (Fried Tofu Pockets): 12 pieces . You can find these at most Asian grocery stores. High quality Sweet Tofu Pockets are plump and not too oily.
• Water: 2 cups (480ml) . For soaking and simmering the tofu.
• Dashi: ½ cup (120ml) . This is a Japanese soup stock. Veggie broth works in a pinch. This is the secret to perfect Japanese Rice Pockets
• Soy Sauce: ¼ cup (60ml) . Use a good quality one for depth of flavor.
• Sugar: 3 tablespoons (45ml) . More sweetness for the Fried Tofu Sushi
• Mirin: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Sweet rice wine.
• Sake: 1 tablespoon (15ml) (optional). Adds a nice flavor. Use water if you don't have it

Seasoning Notes: Level Up Your Flavors

These are the little touches that make all the difference.

• Essential Spice Combinations : The rice vinegar, sugar, and salt mixture is key. Don't skip it!
• Flavor Enhancers : Dashi is your umami bomb. Soy sauce adds a lovely savory note.
• Quick Substitution Options : No mirin? Use a bit of sweet sherry. Dashi? Veggie broth it is!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this easy Japanese recipes .

• Rice cooker (optional). A pot works just fine.
• Medium saucepan. For simmering the tofu.
• Fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. To squeeze out the tofu.
• Mixing bowl. For the rice.
• Rice paddle or wooden spoon. Don't mash the rice!
• Measuring cups and spoons. Get accurate!

Okay, with these bad boys, you are ready to make your vegan inari sushi . Honestly, if I can do it, you totally can too.

Let's get cooking! You'll learn how to make inari sushi like a master. Consider the inari sushi fillings to get more creative!

Alright, let's chat about cooking Inari Sushi . It is like the cutest little food pockets ever. Have you ever tried them? Oh my gosh, they're addictive.

I'm going to tell you a simple and fun guide.

Prep Steps for Perfect Pockets

First, let's get organized. Essential mise en place is key. I like to get all my ingredients ready before I even think about turning on the hob.

It saves so much time. Think about prepping your sushi rice recipe in advance.

Safety first, always. We're dealing with hot liquids and sharp knives, so pay attention. Be careful when handling the fried tofu sushi , and always use oven gloves.

Sweet and Savory Step-by-Step

1. Cook the Rice: Rinse 1 ½ cups of Japanese short grain rice. Add 1 ½ cups of water and cook in a rice cooker, or on the hob. Follow the package instructions.
2. Vinegar Time: In a small pan, combine ¼ cup of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Heat gently, stirring until dissolved. Cool completely.
3. Season the Rice: Gently fold the vinegar mixture into the cooked rice. Be gentle.
4. Soak the Tofu Pockets: Gently open 12 tofu pouches. Soak in hot water for 5 minutes . Squeeze gently to remove excess water.
5. Simmer: In a pan, combine 2 cups of water, ½ cup of dashi, ¼ cup of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of mirin, and 1 tablespoon of sake. Simmer. Add the inari age and cook for 15 minutes , turning.
6. Cool: Remove the sweet tofu pockets and let them cool. Squeeze out any liquid.
7. Fill: Gently fill each pocket with rice.
8. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.

Expert Inari Intel

Honestly, don't overcook the rice! Mushy rice ruins everything. Handle the tofu gently, or they'll tear.

If you want to get ahead, you can cook the rice and simmer the tofu pouches a day in advance.

Just store them separately. Don't forget to try different inari sushi fillings .

There you have it! Delicious inari sushi . Enjoy your homemade Japanese rice pockets !

Recipe Notes for Your Sweet Tofu Pockets

Okay, so you're about to dive into making Inari Sushi . Awesome! Before you start, let's chat about a few things that'll make the whole experience smoother than a freshly polished chopstick.

Honestly, sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, you know?

Serving Suggestions: Time to Plate Up!

Presentation is key! Think about arranging your Japanese Rice Pockets on a cute platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and maybe some finely chopped green onions. They add a pop of color.

For sides, how about some edamame or a refreshing cucumber salad? And to drink? A chilled sake or a classic green tea. The possibilities are endless!

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries!

Refrigerate your Fried Tofu Sushi in an airtight container for up to 2 days . The inarizushi are best consumed within this period, so plan accordingly.

Freezing isn’t really recommended , as the texture of the rice and tofu can change. But if you must, wrap them individually in cling film and freeze for up to a month .

Reheat in the microwave, but remember, the texture won't be quite the same.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Fancy a twist?

To make Vegan Inari Sushi , just ensure your dashi is vegan friendly (kombu dashi works great!).

You can also mix in some finely chopped carrots or cucumbers into the sushi rice. It's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Nutrition Basics: What's Inside?

Each serving (2 pieces) of Inari Sushi comes in at roughly 250-300 calories.

You're also looking at around 8-10g of protein, 10-15g of fat, and 30-35g of carbs. But remember, these are just estimates! They vary depending on your ingredients.

The recipe provides a decent balance, but always remember moderation is key!

So there you have it! A few extra tips to help you create the perfect Inari Sushi Recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment and have some fun.

Now, get cooking and enjoy those sweet and savory Inari Age pockets!