Shira-ae with Local Green Beans

Yield: 4 servings

Recipe by David Yoshimura, Restaurant Nisei

Photo by Brie Mazurek, Foodwise

Discover Chef David Yoshimura’s innovative take on a classic dish with his Shira-ae with Local Green Beans, crafted entirely with plant-based ingredients. Featuring Hodo’s premium tofu, this recipe highlights the fusion of Japanese-American flavors and seasonal produce. Chef David, a Michelin-starred chef and James Beard Award nominee, brings a fresh perspective to traditional cuisine, making this dish both nourishing and delicious. Try it at home and taste the artistry!

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Ingredients

• 1 (10 oz) package Hodo Extra Firm Tofu Locate Product

• 8 oz local green beans

• Garnish – chives, mint, shiso

• 1 oz soy sauce

Shira-ae

• 4 tbsp golden sesame seeds, toasted

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp shiro miso

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp water or dashi

• 1 Tbsp sesame oil

Instructions

Shira-ae Method

1. Using a mortar and pestle, grind sesame seeds until relatively fine.

2. To the side, mix in sugar, salt, miso, water (or dashi), and lemon juice.

3. Incorporate into the mortar and pestle with the ground sesame seeds. Once fully mixed, add sesame oil.

4. Add the chopped tofu, in small phases, making a chunky mix of tofu and sesame dressing.

Green bean method

1. Clean Green beans.

2. Blanch in boiling salted water until perfectly cooked, about 1 minute. Shock in ice water.

3. Dry well. Toss in soy sauce.

4. Mix green beans with Shira-ae until completely covered.

5. Garnish with Chives, mint, or shiso.