Monsters Inc: Goo Tofu from Harryhausen’s recipe
Monsters Inc has to be one of my all time favorite Pixar movies. It’s quite a statement to make considering how amazing their movies are but for some reason, Monsters Inc has always had a special place in my heart. The recipe I have today is one inspired by the movie from a scene between Mike and Celia when they were dining together at Harryhausen’s.
If you’ve been to the Monsters Inc ride in Disney California Adventures, you’ll know that the menu for Harryhausen’s is actually posted in the queue as you line up for the ride. Goo tofu is one of the first items listed under the appetizers. The whole menu is packed with items like Slimi Sashimi, Terrible Terriyuki, and Flab Cake.
Monsters Inc: Goo Tofu from Harryhausen’s recipe
If you’ve been to any Japanese restaurant, you must have come across a dish call agedashi tofu. It looks like a simple dish, and it is, but the combination of the beautiful broth with the fried soft tofu is heavenly. Where the goo comes in is actually when the fried tofu comes in contact with the broth. The slices of tofu are dusted with cornstarch before frying and when it comes together with the broth, it creates a goo like texture that doesn’t sound amazing but it truly is.
Monsters Inc: Goo Tofu from Harryhausen's
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 pieces kombu
- 1 cup bonito flakes
- 2 stalks green onions thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 package tofu, medium
- 1/2 cup cornstarch/potato starch
- oil for deep frying
Instructions
- To press the tofu, slice the tofu into 12 equal size pieces. Lay a dish towel on a sheet pan and lay out the tofu slices. Place another towel on top along with another sheet pan and something heavy to press it down. I usually place a few cans on top for weight. Press the tofu for 1 hour.
- In a saucepan over medium high heat, bring the water and kombu to a boil then down to a simmer. Add the bonito flakes and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside, covered, for another 10 minutes.
- Strain the broth and discard the kombu and flakes. Add the soy sauce and mirin. Keep warm while you fry the tofu.
- Have enough oil in a pot over medium heat. Roll the slices of tofu in cornstarch. Once hot (350F), fry the tofu until crispy. It should just have a very light golden color. Place the fried tofu on a paper lined sheet pan to dry.
- Right before you serve, place the tofu in your serving dish and pour a generous amount of broth on top. Garnish with green onions, ginger, or more bonito flakes. Serve immediately.
