Translation guide
In Japanese cuisine, thin deep-fried slices of tofu are known as 油揚げ (aburaage). They are used in various dishes such as soups, sushi, and simmered dishes.
The standard Japanese word for thin deep-fried slices of tofu, used in most contexts.
This is the most common and widely understood term for thin deep-fried tofu slices. It is used in recipes, restaurants, and daily conversation.
味噌汁に油揚げを入れます。
I put aburaage in miso soup.
油揚げは冷凍できます。
Aburaage can be frozen.
Literally 'thin fry', this term is sometimes used regionally or in specific contexts to distinguish from thicker fried tofu (厚揚げ). It is less common than 油揚げ.
関西では薄揚げと呼ぶこともあります。
In the Kansai region, it is sometimes called usuage.
When referring to the seasoned aburaage pouches used for inarizushi.
Specifies the aburaage used for inarizushi, which is simmered in a sweet and savory broth.
稲荷寿司の油揚げは甘辛く煮ます。
The aburaage for inarizushi is simmered sweet and savory.
A colloquial term for inarizushi itself, but can refer to the seasoned aburaage pouch by extension. Often used in casual settings.
お稲荷さんを買ってきた。
I bought some inarizushi.
When aburaage is added to soups like miso soup or udon.
A common phrase meaning 'to add aburaage'. Used in recipes and cooking instructions.
うどんに油揚げを入れてください。
Please add aburaage to the udon.
When aburaage is used as a topping for dishes like kitsune udon or as an ingredient in stir-fries.
In the context of udon or soba, 'kitsune' refers to the dish topped with seasoned aburaage. It is a shorthand understood in restaurants.
きつねうどんを一つください。
One kitsune udon, please.
Refers to stir-fried dishes containing aburaage.
油揚げの炒め物は簡単で美味しいです。
Stir-fried aburaage is easy and delicious.
油揚げ (aburaage) is thin and deep-fried, often used in soups or as pouches. 厚揚げ (atsuage) is thick fried tofu, with a crispy outside and soft inside, used in simmered dishes or grilled. Do not confuse them.
厚揚げは煮物に使います。
Atsuage is used in simmered dishes.
Aburaage is often sold in packs of 2-3 slices. To reduce oiliness, pour boiling water over it before use. This also helps it absorb flavors better.