玲瓏豆腐
Reirō dōfu
Crystal-Clear Tofu
English Interpretation
Dissolve kuzu starch in water and combine with sieved tofu. Cook in a pot over low heat, kneading until it becomes translucent. Pour into a mold and let cool. Clear and jewel-like.
原文 · Original (1782)
葛粉を水にて溶き、豆腐を裏漉しにして合はすべし。鍋にて弱火にて練り、透き通るまで練り上ぐべし。型に流し入れて冷ますべし。玲瓏として玉の如し。
Transliteration
Kuzu-ko wo mizu nite toki, tōfu wo uragoshi ni shite awasu beshi. Nabe nite yowabi nite neri, sukitōru made neri-aguru beshi. Kata ni nagashi-irete samasu beshi. Reirō to shite tama no gotoshi.
Notes & Annotations
Reirō (玲瓏) means 'clear and luminous like a jewel' or 'exquisitely transparent.' This is a word from classical Chinese poetry (líng lóng) that entered Japanese literary vocabulary.
English Recipe
Ingredients
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silken tofu 豆腐 1 block (350 g)一丁 Sieved smooth
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kuzu starch 葛粉 3 tablespoonsCreates the translucent effect
Method
Serves 3–4
1. Press silken tofu and push through a fine sieve.
2. Dissolve 3 tablespoons kuzu starch in 200 ml cold water.
3. Combine the sieved tofu and kuzu mixture in a pot over low heat.
4. Stir constantly with a wooden spatula. The mixture will gradually thicken and then, after 10–15 minutes, turn translucent.
5. Pour into a moistened mold. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until firmly set.
6. Unmold and cut into pieces. Serve with a light dashi and soy dipping sauce.
The name reirō means 'clear and luminous like a jewel' — a word from classical Chinese poetry. The kuzu transforms the opaque tofu into something glistening and gem-like.
1. Press silken tofu and push through a fine sieve.
2. Dissolve 3 tablespoons kuzu starch in 200 ml cold water.
3. Combine the sieved tofu and kuzu mixture in a pot over low heat.
4. Stir constantly with a wooden spatula. The mixture will gradually thicken and then, after 10–15 minutes, turn translucent.
5. Pour into a moistened mold. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until firmly set.
6. Unmold and cut into pieces. Serve with a light dashi and soy dipping sauce.
The name reirō means 'clear and luminous like a jewel' — a word from classical Chinese poetry. The kuzu transforms the opaque tofu into something glistening and gem-like.