Procedures

1. 1

   The night before, wrap the block of tofu in cheesecloth and freeze for at least six hours, or up to 2 weeks. Frozen, the tofu will be yellow and leathery in appearance.

2. 2

   When you are ready to cook, run the block of tofu under hot water to remove the cheesecloth, which will have adhered to the surface of the tofu. Bring a large pot of water to boil and drop in the tofu. Boil for 15 minutes, or until the entire block of tofu is softened.

3. 3

   Cut the tofu into 1-inch squares and place into a saucepan along with the rest of the simmering ingredients (stock, soy sauce, sake, and mirin). Over medium-low heat, simmer for at least 25 minutes, or until the tofu has fully absorbed all but 1 tablespoon of the liquid. (Variation: If you are braising cubes of meat in a soy sauce dish, toss the cubes of tofu into the pot during the last half hour of braising.)