Shira-ae (Smashed Tofu Salad With Green Beans)
Shira-ae is a Japanese side dish of creamy mashed tofu mixed with an umami-rich sesame sauce. The tofu shines in this dish: It’s heavily seasoned with sesame seeds, miso, soy sauce and mirin, then crushed into a creamy, chunky coating that clings to the blanched green beans. Traditionally, toasted sesame seeds are pounded using a Japanese-style mortar and pestle, but you can use any mortar and pestle — or even opt for sesame paste or tahini as a shortcut. The type of tofu matters: Soft (not silken) or medium-firm tofu will give you the creamiest results, but if you can only get firm or extra-firm, you can boil the tofu in water for three minutes, which softens it and delivers a bouncier texture. Make sure to drain the tofu well and pat it dry so it doesn’t make a wet mash. This dish can be prepared 24 hours ahead, stored in the fridge, and is best served cold.
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