Vegan Sakura Denbu

I never really liked denbu, but I've always loved the color so I decided to make it. Since I constantly make bentos I thought that I could check and see if there were any recipes but to my surprise none of them have been veganized! This was no mere challenge for me, however, as I had to get pretty near perfect for it to even be near the original denbu (made with fishy-bits). I think I succeeded - but it just so happens to be your opinion that matters to me.

(Vegan Sakura Denbu Ingredients)

• Half a package of Extra-Firm Tofu (frozen and defrosted twice)
• 2-3 tbl Canned Beet Juice
• 1/2-3/4 tsp of Iodized Salt
• 1 and a half tbl Granulated Sugar (vegan brand)
• 1/4-1/2 tsp Mirin
• A few bits of Nori

(Directions)

• Take the tofu out and rip it with your hands once it has defrosted, then place it in the food processor and give it about three short runs.
• Take that out and squeeze it with a cheese cloth until the moisture is completely gone, then cover with the rest of the ingredients and mix them gently with a pair of chopsticks. Let it rest for about an hour or until the flavor and color have completely soaked into the tofu.
• Then, ring it out a touch more (not too much or the color might run out) and mix with your rice and make anything you like with it.
• Enjoy!