Vegan Chashu

Vegan Chashu is a plant-based twist on the traditional Japanese braised pork belly, featuring marinated tofu that absorbs rich flavors. This dish is perfect as a topping for ramen or served alongside rice and vegetables.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu - 400 grams
• Soy sauce - 60 ml
• Mirin - 30 ml
• Rice vinegar - 15 ml
• Maple syrup - 15 ml
• Sesame oil - 10 ml
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, minced
• Green onions - 2, chopped
• Nori sheets - 1, cut into strips (for garnish)

Steps

1. Press the firm tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into thick slices.
2. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create the marinade.
3. Place the tofu slices into a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all slices are well coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Remove the tofu from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and pan-fry the slices for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. In the same skillet, add the reserved marinade and bring it to a simmer. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Once the tofu is well-coated in the thickened sauce, remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
7. Slice the tofu into bite-sized pieces and serve garnished with chopped green onions and nori strips. Enjoy with rice or in a bowl of ramen.

Nutrition

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 16 g
• Carbs: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, making it a great option for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in antioxidants from ginger and garlic, which can help reduce inflammation.

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