Atsuage (thick fried tofu)
Tofu cut into thick pieces and deep-fried. The outside is fried and the inside is still tofu. Also called namaage.
👀 At a glance
🍳 What it is
The fried outside is toasty and the inside is soft tofu. You can grill it, simmer it or stir-fry it. It’s filling, so it can be the star of a dish with no meat or fish.
📊 Nutrition (per 100 g)
Figures for “namaage” in the Japanese food composition tables[1]
🔪 Getting it ready
Press the surface with paper towels to take off the oil. It won’t taste oily, and sauce clings better
Put it in a colander and pour boiling water over it (“abura-nuki”) so it soaks up the flavor better. Pour slowly so the hot water doesn’t splash
🔁 If you don’t have it
Firm tofu. Wrap it in paper towels to drain before using. It isn’t fried, so it breaks easily. Turn it gently.
🧊 Storing
Keep it in the fridge and eat it by the date on the package. Once opened, use it soon.
Recipes with this ingredient
Sources(1)
Checked on 2026-10-07.