Umami Tofu with Enoki Mushrooms

I got this recipe 30 years ago from a friend I had over for dinner. Everyone LOVES this recipe, even people who say they don’t like tofu. Tofu has the ability to take on the taste of other ingredients. The seasoned enoki mushrooms, called nametake mushrooms, have such a delicious flavor. Adding a little bit of mayo creates a surprise creaminess that delights your palate. The alchemy of the 4 ingredients is truly magic.


The ability of the tofu to take on the flavor or whatever you add to it mirrors us. The result of surrounding the tofu with these 3 ingredients, transforms it to something amazing. You become the sum total of the 3 people (ingredients) you hang out with the most. It is so important to be mindful of the character of those people. When you cook, you always use the highest quality ingredients. This rings true when you choose your friends or mentors. Choose wisely.

a plate with a slice of tofu with enoki mushrooms
a plate with a slice of tofu with enoki mushrooms

Ingredients

  • 1 - 16 oz block of soft tofu

  • 1 - 14 oz bottle of Nametake (seasoned enoki) mushrooms

  • 3 Tbsp mayo

  • 2 tsp furikake

Preparation

  • Tofu - Take the tofu out of the container, drain all the liquid out. Wrap the tofu in two paper towels that completely cover it. Every 15 minutes x 4, take the paper towels off, squeeze the water out of it, and rewrap it. This keeps it soft, but less likely to break easily. Once this is done, cut the tofu block in half, horizontally.

  • Mayo and mushrooms - Spread ½ Tbsp of mayo on tofu. You can decrease or increase the amount to your liking. Next, pour about ⅓ cup of the mushrooms over the layer of mayo. Pour just enough mushrooms so that it spills over the sides a little bit.

  • Sprinkle 1 tsp of furikake. Feel free to decrease or increase this amount to your taste.

  • Repeat steps 2 and 3 and place the second tofu layer over first. Chill until ready to serve. Garnish with green onions

Tips

Nametake is seasoned enoki mushrooms. Furikake is a delicious seasoned seaweed which most times has sesame seeds as well. Choose your favorite flavor of furikake.

Both items can be found in any Asian grocery store, or if you live in Hawaii, Times Supermarket has both.

You can also find these items on Amazon or online.

This is a wonderful side dish or appetizer that is always a favorite.

Spiritual Message

A fusion of cultural tastes can create delicious outcomes. What thoughts can you incorporate from other cultures that can serve you? For instance, Buddhism teaches us to take responsibility for our actions and lives. Wayne Dyer said “Be miserable, or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it is always your choice.”