noun
deep-fried tofu; thin deep-fried tofu
Refers to a thin sheet of tofu that has been deep-fried. Often used in simmered dishes, soups, or as a topping. In some regions, it may be called 油揚げ (aburaage), but 薄揚げ specifically emphasizes the thinness.
薄揚げを細く切って、味噌汁に入れます。
I cut the deep-fried tofu into thin strips and put it in miso soup.
この煮物には薄揚げがよく合います。
Deep-fried tofu goes well with this simmered dish.
Compound of 薄 (usu, 'thin') and 揚げ (age, 'deep-fried'), literally 'thin deep-fried thing'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word straightforwardly describes the food's preparation method.