Tofu Tonkatsu Dinner

image from the Mount Fuji Company catalog

Tonkatsu is the Japanese word for breaded cutlet. Having been an exchange student to Japan in my high school days, I grew very fond of this entré, perhaps because it reminded me a bit of traditional American comfort food. The tonkatsu sauce is delicious and even my 4 year old loves it.

Ingredients
1/2 pound firm, not silken, tofu, pressed* and cut into slabs
unsweetened soymilk or other non-dairy milk
chickpea flour (or other breading flour)
panko breadcrumbs
3 TBS oil for frying

Dredge the tofu in the flour, then the milk and finally the panko breadcrumbs. (Use tongs or be prepared for very messy fingers!) Place in pre-heated frying pan and fry on both sides until golden brown. Serve with rice, finely shredded cabbage, and tonkatsu sauce. The cabbage is a traditional Japanese accompaniment that helps in cutting the oiliness of the fried tofu.

*To press the the tofu, wrap it in a towel, place a cast iron skillet or several cans on top to weigh it down, and leave for 1/2 hour.