Fried Tofu

fried tofu Japanese-style fried tofu comes in firm golden-brown rectangles and is called abura-age or age tofu. The most common size is about two by five inches. It is sold in Japanese and Korean shops, usually in plastic bags holding twelve or twenty-four rectangles. There is no substitute. Chinese-style fried tofu, also golden brown, is often available in Chinese groceries. It comes in a variety of shapes and textures, from small one-inch cubes, fairly firm and dry, to two- by four-inch rectangles, either soft or firm and dry-textured. Chinese-style fried tofu is cut up and used as an ingredient in stir-fries and soups. Sometimes it is quite oily; you can rinse it off briefly in hot water and wipe dry, or just wipe off the excess oil with paper towels.