Goma Dofu (Sesame and Kudzu Tofu)
Quick answer
- Total time
- 40 min
- Level
- Medium
- Servings
- 5 servings
- Ingredients
- 3
About this dish
Goma dofu is a Koyasan shojin dish from Wakayama made by grinding toasted white sesame until it releases oil, extracting it with water, and cooking the sesame liquid with Yoshino kudzu starch before chilling it into a firm block.
Read more
Despite its name, it contains neither soybeans nor a tofu coagulant. Constant stirring gelatinizes the starch and binds sesame fat and water into a smooth set custard with a resilient cut surface. It is commonly served with wasabi soy sauce or vinegared miso, and thorough grinding is essential for deep flavor without gritty particles.
Ingredients
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Instructions
Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.
- 1Finish
Dry-toast 140g sesame over medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking constantly, until a few seeds pop and smell nutty.
Spread on a plate and cool for 5 minutes.
- 2Step
Blend sesame for 2 minutes, scrape the sides, and blend 1 minute more into a glossy paste.
Transfer to a mortar and grind for 5 minutes to minimize visible hull pieces.
- 3Season
Mix 750ml water into the sesame paste in three additions.
Pour into fine cloth and twist firmly, collecting the rich sesame liquid in a saucepan and leaving solids behind.
- 4Control
Whisk 70g kudzu starch into the cold sesame liquid for 1 minute until dissolved.
Set over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spatula, scraping the bottom and corners, for 8 to 10 minutes.
- 5Prep
When glossy batter falls from the spatula in a slow wide ribbon and a trail holds for 3 seconds, remove from heat.
Pour into a wetted 15cm square mold, level, cool 30 minutes, chill 3 hours, and cut into five pieces.
Practical Cooking Checks
The cues that matter most while cooking.
- Key technique
- White sesame ground until oily
- Finish cue
- When glossy batter falls from the spatula in a slow wide ribbon and a trail holds for 3 seconds, remove from heat.
Cooking decision evidence
Calculated Charim data and applicable official cooking and food safety guidance.
This recipe
40min, 3 ingredients
Category median
48min, 8 ingredients
Based on 247 recipes
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