Vegetarian Niku Dofu

Niku Dofu, a classic Japanese dish meaning “meat and tofu,” traditionally features pork simmered with tofu in a savory sauce. In this vegetarian twist, we introduce a delightful recipe that swaps out the meat for hearty vegetables, still capturing the essence of this beloved comfort food. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy the warmth of Vegetarian Niku Dofu as a cozy meal any day of the week.

**Vegetarian Niku Dofu**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon oil
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 2 scallions, chopped
– Cooked rice, to serve

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Tofu:**
– Drain the tofu by placing it on a clean kitchen towel and pressing gently to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and set aside.

2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.

3. **Add Tofu and Mixed Vegetables:**
– Add the cubed tofu and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.

4. **Make the Sauce:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and grated ginger until well combined.

5. **Simmer the Dish:**
– Pour the prepared sauce over the tofu and vegetables in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. **Finish and Serve:**
– Once the sauce has thickened slightly and the vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Top with chopped scallions for freshness and serve the Vegetarian Niku Dofu hot over a bed of steamed rice.

Enjoy the comforting flavors and wholesome goodness of Vegetarian Niku Dofu. This dish not only provides a satisfying meal but also showcases the versatility of tofu in Japanese cuisine. Experiment with your favorite combination of vegetables to create a personalized version of this classic dish. Embrace the warmth and simplicity of homemade Japanese-inspired cuisine in the comfort of your own cozy home.