Okinawan Jimami-dofu, Peanut and Starch Curd
Jimami-dofu cooks strained peanut milk with sweet-potato starch or a related starch until glossy, then sets it into a smooth white curd with a rich peanut aroma and springy texture. Despite...
At a glance
| Name | Okinawan Jimami-dofu, Peanut and Starch Curd (Jimami-dofu) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Okinawa |
| Region | Kyushu & Okinawa |
| Type | Elastic peanut curd set with sweet-potato starch |
What is it?
Jimami-dofu cooks strained peanut milk with sweet-potato starch or a related starch until glossy, then sets it into a smooth white curd with a rich peanut aroma and springy texture.
Despite tofu in the name, it is not soybean tofu. It is often served as a small dish with sweet soy sauce and can cause severe reactions in people with peanut allergy.
History and local context
Jimami is an Okinawan word for peanuts. The nuts are ground with water and strained before starch is added and the mixture is stirred over heat; commercial versions may combine different starches.
Okinawan shima-dofu uses soybeans and a coagulant, whereas jimami-dofu relies on peanuts and starch. Their similar white appearance must never be used to imply the same ingredients or allergen profile.
How to enjoy it
Spoon small chilled portions with the sauce, or try a warm freshly set version where offered. The sauce may contain soy and wheat.
Anyone with peanut allergy should avoid it completely and ask about shared utensils. Keep packaged products refrigerated and follow their date and serving instructions.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Okinawan Jimami-dofu, Peanut and Starch Curd from?
It is associated with Okinawa, in the Kyushu & Okinawa region of Japan.
What kind of food is Okinawan Jimami-dofu, Peanut and Starch Curd?
This guide classifies it as elastic peanut curd set with sweet-potato starch. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Okinawan Jimami-dofu, Peanut and Starch Curd online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.
This section contains an advertising affiliate link to Rakuten Japan.