7 things you need to do when you come visit Japan
If you are considering or already decided upon visiting Japan, here is a list of what you should not miss out on when you come and visit.
Annin Tofu (杏仁豆腐)
Annin Tofu (杏仁豆腐) is a delicious dessert which originated from China. While it has “Tofu” in the name of the dessert, it is made with Apricot Kernel milk and sugar and is not related to Tofu. (It is called “Tofu” most likely because of the shape looks somewhat similar to Tofu).
If you have never had it, we urge you to give it a try. The smooth and mellow texture of the Annin Tofu coupled with the sweet flavor and very rich aroma of the Apricot Kernel/Almond is why it is a very popular dessert in Asia.
Table of Contents
A little bit about Annin Tofu (杏仁豆腐)
This dessert dish originating from China, which has spread across Asia has a different taste and texture depending on the country, with each country adapting the dessert to their taste. In Japan, Annin Tofu was primarily made of gelatin, which made it smoother than the Chinese version but on the other hand, lacked the rich aroma of the Apricot Kernel/Almonds. Annin Tofu in Japan was not eaten by itself but served in syrup along with fruits such as pineapples and peaches. However, after the 2000s, Japanese dessert companies started to adapt their Annin Tofu to the more traditional Chinese flavors.
The only cons about this dessert is that the ingredients are difficult to obtain. While the dessert is originally made with Apricot Kernel milk is so difficult to obtain, our recipe is with Almond powder which is more accessible. Even so, you will not find many almond powder sold on Amazon. The easiest way of obtaining almond powder would be to buy it online on Wee or Yamibuy. Search “almond powder and it should come up on the top of your search”
List of Ingredients you will need
(Serving for 4 people)
・Almond powder … 1 ounce (30 grams)
・Granulated Sugar…1.75 ounce (50 grams)
・Whip Cream …1/2 cup (120 ml)
・Milk …1 cup (240 ml)
・Gelatine …0.2 ounce (5 grams)
・Water…3/5 Cup (150 ml)
Recipe
1. Mix the gelatin and 2 Tablespoon of water and let the gelatin melt.
2. Pour the milk, water and Almond powder. Stir as you heat the pot until just before it starts boiling.
3. Stop the heat and mix the granulated sugar.
4. Strain the pot using a colander.
5. Fill a bowl with water and ice. Put the colander straight into the bowl to remove the heat.
6. Take it out of the colander and put it into a bowl. Further cool it until it is nicely chilled.
7. Before serving pour whip cream on top of the Annin Tofu. If you have some fresh mangos at home, you can also put it on top.
Other recommended recipes
If this is the kind of dish you like, we have compiled some a list of dishes that you might also like for your next cooking session below.
Tonkatsu (とんかつ)
Tonkatsu (とんかつ) is a Japanese deep-fried pork cutlet. The outer coating is made extra fluffy, yet crunchy by using Panko (bread crumbs) to coat the meat, which is then fried in oil.
Yakisoba (焼きそば)
Yakisoba is a dish made of noodles cooked on a hot plate mixed together with flavored with cabbage, bean sprout, pork, seafood and etc, which is then flavored with Japanese Bulldog sauce.
Tempura (天ぷら)
Tempura is a common Japanese cuisine that often consists of meat, fish, and vegetables that have been battered and deep-fried. As it is cooked in light batter, it is not too oily and the crusty coating and light salting brings out the real flavors of the ingredients being cooked.
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