Recipe of the week

Vegetarian tofu donabe recipe for cold days

Why is tofu perfect for a vegetarian donabe recipe?

Tofu is the perfect ingredient for a vegetarian donabe because it absorbs flavors exceptionally well and blends effortlessly into various Asian cooking styles. Anyone who loves Asian cuisine will find it hard to resist a donabe with tofu: its mild flavor , delicate texture , and the wide variety of tofu types make it a particularly versatile base for warming stews.

In East Asian cuisine, tofu has been one of the most important plant-based protein sources for centuries. Today, it also holds a firm place in modern vegetarian and vegan diets worldwide. Thanks to its high protein content, versatility, and valuable nutrients, tofu is considered one of the most popular plant-based meat alternatives – ideal for a nutritious, flavorful, and light donabe that warms you up on cold days.

What is a donabe and why is it suitable for vegan and vegetarian cuisine?

A donabe is a traditional Japanese clay pot that has been used in Japanese households for centuries. "Donabe" literally means "earth cooking pot ." The pot retains heat exceptionally well, ensuring gentle and even cooking . This helps vegetables, tofu, and broths retain their flavors and nutrients.

You can find more information about Donabe in our blog post: Japanese Donabe Pot – why it became my kitchen favorite.

The clay pot is perfect for a vegetarian donabe recipe because it allows the broth to slowly infuse, flavors the tofu, and keeps the vegetables tender but still firm to the bite.

The most important types of tofu for your vegetarian donabe recipe

Frozen tofu

Frozen tofu changes its texture. It becomes spongy and absorbs sauces extremely well . Ideal for rich broths.

Firm tofu (Dòugān)

It retains its shape, even after prolonged simmering. Perfect for hearty dishes.

Fǔzhú (bean sprout sticks)

It softens during cooking and absorbs the broth. Ideal for flavorful donabe dishes.

Silken tofu

Creamy and soft. Breaks down easily, so handle with care. Ideal for gentle, mild stews.

Health benefits of tofu in the donabe dish

Tofu is rich in:

high-quality plant-based protein
Calcium
iron
magnesium
Isoflavones (antioxidant)

Combined with vegetables, mushrooms, root vegetables, and warming broth, this makes a very healthy dish. A vegetarian donabe recipe is perfect for cold days, as it warms the body from the inside out, is easily digestible, and keeps you feeling full for a long time.

Ingredients that make a vegetarian donabe recipe particularly aromatic

Japanese clay pot dishes thrive on subtle flavors. Particularly good choices include:

Kombu (seaweed)
Shiitake mushrooms
White cabbage
Chinese cabbage
Daikon (radish)
carrots
spring onions
sesame
Ginger
Garlic
Miso
soy sauce
Mirin or sake

Tofu wonderfully absorbs these flavors and transforms the dish into a harmonious, deep broth.

Variations for your vegetarian donabe recipe

Serve with rice noodles or udon
Refine with chili oil
Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions.
More protein from tempeh or beans
Creamier with a spoonful of white miso

Serving suggestion

Donabe is traditionally served directly at the table. This keeps the dish hot, and everyone can help themselves. It makes it cozy, sociable, and perfect for spending winter days together.

FAQ about the vegetarian donabe recipe

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, the dish is already vegan as long as no animal broth is used.

How long does a Donabe last?

With proper care, decades.

For my vegetarian tofu donabe, I was inspired by the talented YouTuber Irene Yong , who is known for her creative and authentic vegetarian Asian dishes.