Gomadofu (Tofu of Sesame Seeds)

Gomadofu is one of the classic dishes served at the beginning of the meal in shojin ryori and kaiseki ryori. Made from sesame seeds thickened with kudzu starch, gomadofu has a delicate, custard texture and melts in the mouth to release a subtle savoury sesame flavour. Compared to regular soy tofu in which soy proteins are coagulated with gypsum or nigari, gomadofu is less brittle and more gelatinous.

Three main factors that affect the outcome of gomadofu are kudzu starch, sesame seeds and the liquid. Kudzu starch will determine the density of the gomadofu. It can vary from 7.5% to 12.5% of the amount of liquid. The amount and quality of sesame seeds will determine the flavour of the gomadofu. The strength can vary from 10% to 25% of the amount of liquid. Freshly roasted sesame seeds grounded in a suribachi will give the best nutty flavour, but nerigoma or tahini and be used at a pinch. I used black sesame this time which gave a stunning colour. The liquid medium for gomadofu can be water, but for a richer, more flavourful result, dashi and sake is recommended. You can decide the characteristics of your gomadofu by adjusting the percentages of these ingredients.

When making gomadofu, keep stirring continuously to ensure even thickening and prevent scorching of the pan. Wet your mold with water for easy removal of the tofu after setting, and pour a thin layer of water over the fresh tofu to prevent drying out. Gomadofu is enjoyed with soy sauce (or tamari) and a dab of wasabi to complement the nutty sesame flavours. Simple and delicious.

Below is a video of the gomadofu I had at Shigetsu, Kyoto. You can see the custard consistency of gomadofu. Itadakimasu!

[flickr video=https://www.flickr.com/photos/sabrinachu/48343897811 w=1200 h=400]

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Gomadofu (Tofu of Sesame Seeds)

Tofu of sesame seeds, thickened with kudzu starch. Decide on the characteristics of your gomadofu by adjusting the quantity and quality of the three main ingredients - kudzu starch, sesame seeds and liquid medium.

Servings 10 servings

Author Sabrina Chu

Ingredients

Gomadofu

• 50 g (5 tbsp) kudzu starch
• 500 g (2 cups) vegan dashi (see Notes)
• 80 g (1/2 cup) freshly roasted white or black sesame seeds, or tahini
• 1/4 tsp Himalayan salt
• 1 1/2 tbsp sake (optional)

Sauce and Garnish

• 60 g (1/4 cup) vegan dashi (see Notes)
• 1 tbsp tamari
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 bunch green onion, finely sliced
• 2 tsp wasabi powder
• 1 tsp warm water

Instructions

Gomadofu

1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve the kudzu starch with a little dashi to form a slurry. Use the back of a spoon to break up any lumps.

2. In a blender, blend sesame seeds or tahini and kudzu slurry with the remaining dashi. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag into a heavy-bottom saucepan.

3. To the mixture in the saucepan, add salt and sake, if using. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring all the time. After 2 to 3 minutes you will feel the mixture beginning to thicken. At the point reduce the heat to low and cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring all the time. By the end of the cooking, the mixture should develop a strong elasticity.

4. Wet a square or rectangular mold with water (this is to keep it from sticking). Pour the mixture into the mold and working quickly as it sets fast, smooth the surface with a spatula. Put 2 to 3 tablespoons of cold water over the surface of the mixture to prevent it from drying out.

5. Place the mold in the refrigerator to set for at least 3 hours or for as long as over night.

6. When solidified, unmold and slice gomadofu into squares. Keep in water until ready to serve.

Sauce and Garnish

1. In a small saucepan, combine the dashi, tamari, and mirin, and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat, and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Store sauce in the refrigerator until serving.

2. Just before serving, prepare wasabi paste by mixing wasabi powder with warm water to form a paste. Set aside for 5 minutes to allow the full flavour to develop.

3. To serve, place a square of gomadofu in a small bowl. Spoon a little sauce over the gomadofu and garnish with a dab of wasabi paste.

Recipe Notes

Vegan Dashi 
To prepare vegan dashi, soak 1 piece (16 square-inches) kombu and 1 dried shiitake mushroom in 4 cups water in a saucepan for 2 hours or longer. Bring to a low simmer, below boiling, then turn off the heat and steep until the dashi cools to room temperature. Remove the kombu and shiitake mushroom. This is the first (ichiban) dashi. They can be reused one or time to make second (niban) dashi, but the dashi strength will be weaker.
Raw Version
Blend 80 g (1/2 cup) sesame seeds or tahini with 120 g (1/2 cup) dashi and 1/3 cup prepared Irish moss paste. Pour into a shallow pan and allow to set overnight before slicing.