How To Make Ganmodoki (Japanese Fried Tofu Patties)

Ganmodoki, also known as Hiryozu, is a traditional Japanese deep-fried dish made with tofu, vegetables, and seaweed. Originally, it was a part of Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegan cuisine) and was created as a meat substitute.

While Ganmodoki can be enjoyed on its own, it also pairs well with soups as it absorbs liquid well, so it is often used in oden or other simmered dishes.

Despite its delicious taste, Ganmodoki is not a common homemade dish in Japan. People usually buy ready-made versions at supermarkets instead of making them at home. However, once you make Ganmodoki at home, you might never go back to the store-bought ones! The soft, fluffy tofu and various ingredients harmonize perfectly, and the aftertaste is light, even though it is a deep-fried dish.

Here are some tips for making Ganmodoki:

• Choose Momen Dofu (firm tofu): Tofu generally comes in two types: “Kinugoshi Dofu,” which is softer and has a silky, smooth texture, and “Momen Dofu,” which is firmer. While you can use either, Momen Dofu is more commonly used and easier to handle, so we recommend it for making Ganmodoki.
• Drain the Tofu well: Tofu contains water, and excess water can prevent the Ganmodoki dough from holding its shape. To avoid this, you need to drain the tofu beforehand. This process takes at least four hours, so we recommend preparing this step in the morning if you plan to make Ganmodoki for dinner.
• Incorporate ingredients that you like into Ganmodoki: We are using carrot, shiitake mushroom, hijiki seaweed, and ginkgo nuts in our recipe, but you can also choose from other ingredients such as burdock root, lotus root, konjac, and kombu seaweed.
• Coat your hands with cooking oil: When shaping the Ganmodoki dough, coat your hands with cooking oil to make the process easier. If you find it difficult to shape the dough with your hands, use large spoons instead.

It might sound difficult to make, but it is easier than you think. Try this Japanese dish and enjoy preparing Ganmodoki at home!