Aug 30, 2024

Hasegawa Akari's Summer Donabe Recipe: Steamed Tofu and Pork

Culinary expert Hasegawa Akari has shared an exclusive summer donabe recipe with us, and we’re excited to kick off our seasonal donabe recipe series with this hearty yet healthy dish: Steamed Tofu and Pork. Made with ground meat and tender tofu, this savory patty is steamed to perfection in a donabe, creating a light and flavorful meal that’s perfect for warmer weather. A refreshing side of watercress adds a crisp, clean finish.

“Summer heat often dampens our appetites, leading us to reach for cold foods,” explains Hasegawa. “But it’s important to nourish our bodies with warm, easily digestible meals. A donabe gently cooks ingredients to tenderness, making it ideal for summer dining.”

This versatile dish shines as a weeknight main dish or a delightful centerpiece when entertaining friends. Serve it straight from the donabe for a truly authentic experience.

Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

(For 2-3 servings)

Ground pork: 150 g (5.3 oz) ☆
Firm tofu: 300 g (10.6 oz) ☆
Grated garlic: 2 teaspoons ☆
Grated ginger: 2 teaspoons ☆
Soy sauce: 2 teaspoons ☆
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ☆
Toasted sesame seeds: 2 teaspoons ☆
Watercress: 50 g (1.8 oz)
Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
Water: 50 ml (1.7 fl oz)

Step 1
Roughly chop the watercress, separating the stems and leaves.

Step 2
Put all the ☆ingredients and the watercress stems into a bag and mix well.

Step 3
Heat sesame oil in a donabe, then spread the meat mixture from Step 2 into the clay pot.

Step 4
Add water from the edge of the pot, cover, and cook over medium heat.

Step 5
Steam for five minutes on medium heat, then reduce to low heat and steam for an additional five minutes.

Step 6
Top with the chopped watercress leaves and it's ready to serve.

Hasegawa Akari

Akari Hasegawa, a chef and dietitian, transitioned from being a child actor to studying nutrition in college. She gained fame in 2022 with her recipes on social media and has since become a popular influencer, contributing to magazines, websites, and cooking events.