Kabocha & Tofu Croquettes with Shredded Cabbage

Kids and adults will go crazy for crispy pumpkin croquettes, rolled in breadcrumbs and fried until golden. Drizzle them with tonkatsu, the Japanese barbecue sauce.

What You Get

Eggs

Panko breadcrumbs

Firm tofu

Roasted kabocha squash

Cooked jasmine rice

Lemon

Tonkatsu sauce

Shredded cabbage

What You’ll Need

All-purpose flour (optional)

Salt

Vegetable oil

Makes 3 servings

Active Time: 20 minutes 

Total Time: 20 minutes 

Step 1

Crack 2 of the eggs into a wide bowl and beat with a fork. Pour the panko onto a plate. Pour ½ cup flour onto a plate (can be fried without, but this step will help the breading stick better). Line up the flour, eggs, and panko on the counter, season all of them with salt, and place a clean plate at the end.

Step 2

Remove two-thirds of the tofu from the packaging and pat dry. In a bowl, combine the roasted winter squash with the tofu and a pinch of salt, crumbling and mashing it into a paste with your hands. Roll the mixture into croquettes, 2 to 3 inches wide, about 6 total.

Step 3

Working with one piece at a time, dredge it in the flour, shaking to remove any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Roll it in the panko, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick. Transfer the breaded pieces to the clean plate. Repeat for all of the remaining croquettes.

Step 4

In a wide sauté pan, pour vegetable oil to about ¼-inch deep. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a shimmer. Working in batches if necessary, add the breaded croquettes and fry until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt. Add more oil to the pan between batches, if necessary.

Step 5

Reheat the rice in the microwave until steamed through and warm, 90 seconds or according to package instructions. Cut the lemon into wedges for serving.

Step 6

Heap the rice on plates, top with the fried croquettes, and drizzle with the tonkatsu sauce. Serve warm, with shredded raw cabbage piled on the side and with the lemon wedges for squeezing.  

Contains: eggs, wheat, soy.