Glossary - Ingredients

Ganmodoki (Deep-Fried Tofu Mixed with Thinly Sliced Vegetables)

Fried side dish made of mashed tofu and chopped vegetables with a fluffy texture

What is ganmodoki?

Ganmodoki (deep-fried tofu mixed with thinly sliced vegetables, がんもどき in Japanese) is tofu drained of water then mixed with vegetables like carrots, burdock, and shiitake mushrooms, then all fried together. It is often found in Oden and other stews.

Nutrition facts

Ganmodoki contains vegetable protein and soy nutrients such as soy isoflavones and soy saponins. Isoflavones have female hormone-like effects, thereby strengthening bones and contributing to hormonal balance. Ganmodoki also contains iron, magnesium, and calcium, making it an effective food for preventing osteoporosis. It also contains biotin, which is involved in the metabolism of sugar, amino acids, and lipids.
However, due to ganmodoki being deep-fried, it is important to note that it is high in fat. Ganmodoki contains ingredients such as hijiki seaweed and carrots, which make it even more nutritious.

Storage to prevent food loss

Lasts around 2-5 days in the original packaging when refrigerated. Can also be frozen.

Trivia

The name ganmodoki comes from the fact that the deep-fried tofu and vegetables here were made to taste like wild goose ("gan"), combined with the word imitation ("modoki"). That is what it is called in the Kanto region, but in the Kansai region it is named "hirosu" after a Portuguese dessert called filhó (sweet fried dough) that resembles ganmodoki. The Japanese characters for hirosu actually stand for flying dragon head.