‘Abura-age’ is thinly sliced & deep-fried Tofu. It is used to make ‘Inari-zushi’ wraps and many other dishes in Japan. My mother often cooked this delicious ‘Egg in Abura-age’ for my bento lunch. If you like ‘Inari-zushi’, you will fall in love with this dish.

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Makes

6 to 8 pieces

Ingredients

3 to 4 Abura-age (Thin Fried Tofu)
6 to 8 Eggs *smaller size would be easier to handle

Sauce
1 cup Dashi Stock *1 cup Water and 1/2 teaspoon Dashi Powder
2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons Sugar
2 tablespoons Mirin

Method

1. Wrap Abura-age with paper towel and heat in microwave for 30 seconds. Then press it to remove excess oil if required.
   *Note: This process is optional, but the heat softens Abura-age and next process will be easier. If you don’t have the microwave, soak in hot water is alternative option. Dry with paper towel.
2. Cut each Abura-age in half, carefully open and make bags. Crack an Egg, place it in a bag and secure with a toothpick. Repeat with remaining Abura-age and Eggs.
3. Place all the ingredients of the sauce in a large saucepan or pot, and bring to the boil over medium heat.
4. Once the sauce starts boiling, gently place the Abura-age bags in the sauce, cook for 5 minutes. Turn them over, and cook for further 5 minutes. Then remove from the sauce. If you leave them in the hot saucepan, the eggs will be cooked more.
5. Simmer the remaining sauce until slightly thickens, then pour over the cooked Abura-age bags.
6. *Note: Cooking time depends on your preference. If you want the Eggs cooked softer or harder, alter the cooking time.