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There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page!
Summertime means I’m on a strawberry kick! And to be honest, I’m always on a strawberry kick. Strawberries are definitely one of my all time favorite fruit, and any dessert with strawberries in it is an automatic favorite of mine. 
Protein Milkshake offered me to try out their newest flavor. When I saw that it was Strawberry Shortcake protein, I was beyond excited! So, naturally, I had to make strawberry shortcake with it… and this version is totally acceptable for breakfast because it’s oats in disguise! Thank you again to Protein Milkshake for mailing me these samples to try out. Protein Milkshake Strawberry Shortcake Review:
You cannot beat Protein Milkshake’s macros. It’s exactly why they’re on my list of best protein shakes for Weight Watchers. Their flavors are all around 110 calories each (including this one), and they clock in at 1 SmartPoint per serving if you're following any of the myWW plans!
Unlike some proteins, they’re very smooth and the flavor is strong. Thankfully it’s not sickeningly sweet, but the perfect balance. The strawberry shortcake flavored protein gave these baked oats such a lovely flavor. This truly did taste like a shortcake! When I opened the package, it even smelled just like a strawberry cake! Ready to make cake for breakfast? Oats ingredients (makes 3 servings):
Frosting ingredients (1 serving):
How to make straw shortcake protein baked oats:
Tips For StOring baked oats:
If you’re making your baked oats in advance, you can store them in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave. They should only need 30-60 seconds in the microwave (depending on your microwave strength).
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There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page! If you haven’t seen it already, there’s a viral TikTok snack hack going around: pasta chips! Pasta chips are essentially just air fried pieces of cooked pasta. This is best when done with a smaller shape, like penne or bow ties. But I’ve seen some influencers like The Korean Vegan do this with ramen noodles, too! So your options are limitless. One of my favorite TikTokers is Steph Grasso, a clinical dietician who tried this with chickpea pasta for an added protein boost. I absolutely love Banza’s chickpea pasta and pizza crust, so I knew I had to try this!  Banza’s chickpea pasta is just made with chickpeas (plus a little tapioca and some xanthan gum). It packs 22g of protein and 8g of fiber per serving! So it’s much more filling than standard pasta. I tried Banza for the first time when I participated in Veganuary. Their products are vegan and gluten-free, so they fit the bill for a vegan substitute. Anthony and I both really loved it and found that there wasn’t really a flavor difference from regular pasta. And calorically, it’s similar (190-200 calories per 1 cooked cup). When making my protein pasta chips, I had seen a ton of recipes with Italian seasonings and Parmesan cheese. But I wanted to try something different. At the time, I was really craving cool ranch flavored Doritos! So I whipped up some seasonings that I had and found that this totally hit the spot. It made for a great pre-workout snack! I used penne pasta and it reminded me of Takis. 
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While smart scales like this are never 100% accurate (you have to have a very intensive scan with a specialist for that!), they are a great guide to help you understand the full breakdown of your weight.
These connect to an app on your cell phone via WiFi, so everything is fully digital. Once your phone and the scale are paired, you can just keep the app open on the counter as you step on so all of the data is available at your fingertips. |
Discounts on Various Smart Watches & Fitness Trackers
From FitBit to Garmin, there are a ton of different fitness trackers and smart watches currently on sale. This is a great way to track your workouts, no matter what your preference is.
From FitBit to Garmin, there are a ton of different fitness trackers and smart watches currently on sale. This is a great way to track your workouts, no matter what your preference is.
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Running Shoes from Adidas for 43% off
While a lot of different brands of athletic wear and running shoes are on sale, these adidas Cloudform 2.0 Running Shoes really caught my eye at 43% off! Adidas describes these as running-inspired trainers, so they should be perfect for general activity, too. |
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Get 28% Off NordicTrack T Series Treadmills
If you still aren't comfortable returning to the gym post-pandemic, having a treadmill at home is a game changer for when the weather isn't ideal for bringing your workout outside. This treadmill specifically includes 1 month free of interactive personal training by iFit, where you can tap into live, studio, and global workout classes from home. |
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Brand New Echo Buds from Amazon
If you want to level up your earbuds for when you workout, Amazon now offers Echo Buds. These wireless, noise cancelling ear buds feature Alexa, and are also compatible with Siri and Google Assist. The earbuds work with the Alexa app on your phone for music, podcasts, and audiobook streaming. |
Up to 45% Off Orgain Vegan Protein Products
When I participated in Veganuaryearlier this year, Orgain was my go-to brand. They offer a great tasting vegan protein that I've found to be less chalky compared to other brands. If you're looking to add more plant-based options into your diet, now is a great time to give their products a try.
When I participated in Veganuaryearlier this year, Orgain was my go-to brand. They offer a great tasting vegan protein that I've found to be less chalky compared to other brands. If you're looking to add more plant-based options into your diet, now is a great time to give their products a try.
Don't Miss The Savings!
All of these deals are for Amazon Prime members only, so be sure to try a try a 30-day free trial if you don't already have a membership.
View all available Prime Day deals here. They update them throughout the day with added flash sales, so be sure to keep checking back!
All of these deals are for Amazon Prime members only, so be sure to try a try a 30-day free trial if you don't already have a membership.
View all available Prime Day deals here. They update them throughout the day with added flash sales, so be sure to keep checking back!
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page!
Whether you've been running for years or just picked it up, there's one thing that gets a really bad reputation: the treadmill. I've even heard it referred to as "the dreadmill" since it can be fairly boring compared to running outside.
And for those who think it is boring, they have a fair point: you likely don't have as many surroundings to look at if your treadmill isn't near a window.
I started running more on the treadmill when I'd go to the gym to start weight lifting. It was an easy way to incorporate HIIT cardio. Plus, you have a flat surface that is completely in your control.
But I didn't want to ever look at it as the "dreadmill." So I experimented and now, I actually prefer treadmill running over running outside!
Here are seven ways to make the treadmill less boring and indoor running more fun.
1. Watch a First Person POV video
First person POV videos are a fantastic way to make the treadmill less boring.
The treadmills at my gym offer a service called RunTV, where you can pick an interactive workout. These will show a specific scenery and match the incline to simulate running the beach or mountains.
You don't need a fancy treadmill for this, though - a tablet or phone will do just fine! There are tons of YouTube channels out there that offer first person POV videos designed for running on the treadmill or pedaling on a stationary bike. Just look up "treadmill videos" and you'll find a bunch.
This one is one of my favorites from World Nature Video:
The treadmills at my gym offer a service called RunTV, where you can pick an interactive workout. These will show a specific scenery and match the incline to simulate running the beach or mountains.
You don't need a fancy treadmill for this, though - a tablet or phone will do just fine! There are tons of YouTube channels out there that offer first person POV videos designed for running on the treadmill or pedaling on a stationary bike. Just look up "treadmill videos" and you'll find a bunch.
This one is one of my favorites from World Nature Video:
2. Get a fun playlist
Running to music that transported me somewhere else was how I fell in love with running in the first place. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I used to love creating playlists that were themed around the runDisney races.
I had a Disney music playlist for when I was training for the 2018 Princess Half Marathon. I also have used my Star Wars playlist a few times when training for the multiple Star Wars race weekends I've participated in.
Need some workout playlists to get you started? I've created a few on Spotify!
I had a Disney music playlist for when I was training for the 2018 Princess Half Marathon. I also have used my Star Wars playlist a few times when training for the multiple Star Wars race weekends I've participated in.
Need some workout playlists to get you started? I've created a few on Spotify!
3. Experiment with the incline or speed
Challenge yourself by seeing how much you improve! If you stick to the same speed and/or incline every time, you'll probably get bored a lot faster.
Set a goal so you can head into the gym or onto the treadmill with a plan. Looking to increase your mile time? Start slowly increasing the speed to see how fast you can go. Want to get a feel for training at different heights? Start to increase the incline!
Set a goal so you can head into the gym or onto the treadmill with a plan. Looking to increase your mile time? Start slowly increasing the speed to see how fast you can go. Want to get a feel for training at different heights? Start to increase the incline!
4. Try an audiobook or podcast
If you've been meaning to catch up on some reading or a favorite podcast, the treadmill is a great time to do so. You can easily walk or run to these safely on a treadmill. No need to worry about your surroundings!
Just listen, enjoy the entertainment, and the workout will fly by in no time. This is a great way to burn some calories while also being able to stay up to date with your reading challenges or book clubs.
Just listen, enjoy the entertainment, and the workout will fly by in no time. This is a great way to burn some calories while also being able to stay up to date with your reading challenges or book clubs.
5. Incorporate HIIT Training
If you've been doing steady state cardio on the treadmill and are starting to get bored, try HIIT! HIIT (high intensity interval training) is a great way to burn some fat and can definitely help mix things up. Start by running at intervals or playing with the speed on the treadmill.
Studies have shown that HIIT training does help improve your VO2 max compared to other ways of training. VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen that your body uses when you work out.
Not sure where to start? There are a bunch of treadmill HIIT workouts you can follow along on YouTube! Check out this one from IBX Running.
Studies have shown that HIIT training does help improve your VO2 max compared to other ways of training. VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen that your body uses when you work out.
Not sure where to start? There are a bunch of treadmill HIIT workouts you can follow along on YouTube! Check out this one from IBX Running.
6. Try Different Movements
Treadmills aren't limited to just running or walking. If you want to feel the burn, you can add some calisthenics to your treadmill workout. Set the incline to zero and start at a lower speed until you get used to it to be safe!
Some workouts you can do on the treadmill include:
Try doing these movements for 30-60 seconds at a time and alternate between these with running or walking for 30-60 seconds.
Some workouts you can do on the treadmill include:
- Lunges
- Glute kickbacks
- Side gallops
Try doing these movements for 30-60 seconds at a time and alternate between these with running or walking for 30-60 seconds.
7. Watch Your Favorite Show
One of my favorite things to do on any piece of cardio equipment - whether it be the treadmill, elliptical, or stationary bike - is to catch up on television shows.
Since I go to the gym five days a week, and I aim for a 30 minute cardio session, I get to enjoy about one episode per gym session. I've been able to quickly catch up on the shows and anime that I watch this way (the photo above is from when I was catching up on Naruto!). It makes the time on the treadmill fly by since you're focused on the show.
When I was training for half marathons and had to get a long run in on the treadmill, I'd even put on a movie! I trained for the Star Wars Half Marathon a few years ago by watching Rogue One on the treadmill, since it's one of my favorite films in the franchise.
Since I go to the gym five days a week, and I aim for a 30 minute cardio session, I get to enjoy about one episode per gym session. I've been able to quickly catch up on the shows and anime that I watch this way (the photo above is from when I was catching up on Naruto!). It makes the time on the treadmill fly by since you're focused on the show.
When I was training for half marathons and had to get a long run in on the treadmill, I'd even put on a movie! I trained for the Star Wars Half Marathon a few years ago by watching Rogue One on the treadmill, since it's one of my favorite films in the franchise.
BOnus tip: Make sure you have the right gear
Having the right running equipment makes a huge difference. Even though treadmill running provides a more smooth, even, reliable ground, you still want to have the right gear for ultimate support.
Here are some of my favorites:
Here are some of my favorites:
- Shoes: Hoka One One has provided me the most support so far. I've tried a lot of running sneakers, but I love their Bondi and Rincon models. I have tendonitis in my ankles and find that these shoes provide a great amount of support without being too heavy.
- Headphones: I love Aftershokz. They don't plug into your ears, but are actually wireless bone conductors. The part that plays music rests right next to your ear on your jaw. You can hear the music, but the people next to you can't - plus it allows you to be aware of your surroundings. These aren't my favorite if I'm in a gym that already plays music, but I do love having these for when I run races so I can pay attention to any on-course announcements.
- Socks: Balega brand socks are the best, in my opinion. I've tried a few brands of running socks that promise no blisters, but Balega has been the only brand that delivers on this for me.
- Headbands: I have long, thick hair. It can be really hard to find a headband that actually stays in place while you run! I discovered SweatyBands at a runDisney expo and have been hooked on them ever since. They stay in place and are super lightweight, plus they have a bunch of really cute designs. Sometimes I even forget I'm wearing it!
I'm currently undergoing an eight week fitness challenge hosted by 1UP Nutrition! Be sure to follow me on TikTok to follow along as I share daily mini-vlogs.
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page!
This anime recipe is equal parts protein-packed and comforting! Demon Slayer (aka Kimetsu no Yaiba in Japanese) is one of my favorite anime. Even though it is newer on the scene, it has quickly captured my heart with the lovable characters and absolutely stunning animation.
In honor of the movie making its way to the United States, I whipped up Tanjiro's udon dish that he orders in the first season of the anime. This udon looked delicious and it absolutely was. The flavor combination here was so wonderful. I took some creative liberty with the broth and focused more on the toppings and plating for screen accuracy.
In honor of the movie making its way to the United States, I whipped up Tanjiro's udon dish that he orders in the first season of the anime. This udon looked delicious and it absolutely was. The flavor combination here was so wonderful. I took some creative liberty with the broth and focused more on the toppings and plating for screen accuracy.
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The key to getting your sunny side up egg to cover nearly the entire bowl without the extra yolks? All you have to do is add extra egg whites when you're making it. The toppings rest on top of the soft egg with the help of the thick noodles in the broth beneath it.
Udon noodles, if you've never had them, are the ultimate comfort noodle. They're thick, a little chewy, and absolutely wonderful in a hot soup. They're also great stir-fried for a yakiudon style dish! This dish would also be great with soba noodles, but the thickness of the noodle does help support the egg when plating.
Udon noodles, if you've never had them, are the ultimate comfort noodle. They're thick, a little chewy, and absolutely wonderful in a hot soup. They're also great stir-fried for a yakiudon style dish! This dish would also be great with soba noodles, but the thickness of the noodle does help support the egg when plating.
ingredients (serves 4)
- 0.5 cup roast chicken breast (optional)
- 4 cups cooked udon noodles
Broth:
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp miso paste
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 0.5 cup sweet onion
- 1 tsp minced ginger
Toppings:
- 1 egg + 0.25 cup liquid egg whites
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Nori sheets, thinly sliced (I recommend using snack-sized sheets so you can just quickly cut them with scissors and save a little time!) to taste
- 1 tsp wasabi paste or avocado
Instructions
- Let all broth ingredients simmer in a pot. I recommend using a slow cooker if you have one and letting it sit for at least 5 hours. I find that the longer it sits, the more flavorful it is.
- Cook udon noodles. Add 1 cup of noodles into four bowls.
- Add broth over noodles then add roast chicken.
- Cook your egg sunny-side up. To enlarge the egg to look more like the anime, you can add 0.25 cup liquid egg whites to surround the existing egg.
- Add the cooked egg to the udon. Top with wasabi paste (or avocado if you don't like wasabi), sliced green onion, and sliced nori.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
the verdict
This dish was so tasty and the flavor profiles all really complemented each other. It was super filling and definitely had a good deal of protein thanks to the egg and chicken combo. I rate it a 10/10 for flavor.
I'd definitely make this again! It was super simple to make, too. If you don't want to roast your own chicken, you can buy Perdue chicken pre-made in your grocery store. They're in the refrigerated section, usually near bacon and deli meats. This gets a 10/10 for ease of recreation, too!
Have a food from an anime that you want me to try to recreate? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, follow me on TikTok to see the behind the scenes of how this was made.
I'd definitely make this again! It was super simple to make, too. If you don't want to roast your own chicken, you can buy Perdue chicken pre-made in your grocery store. They're in the refrigerated section, usually near bacon and deli meats. This gets a 10/10 for ease of recreation, too!
Have a food from an anime that you want me to try to recreate? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, follow me on TikTok to see the behind the scenes of how this was made.
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page!
We're making a Naruto recipe today that has me a bit nervous, but also excited... the Curry of Life! The Curry of Life makes its appearance in Episode 153. Rock Lee loves the Curry of Life, and this curry is even known to revive people from unconsciousness or heal them from the brink of death due to its extreme spiciness.
The Curry of Life as seen in Naruto.
I am a weak baby when it comes to spicy foods, so I'll be using standard sriracha. We'll be calling it the Neji Version, since Neji doesn't have a high spicy food tolerance either. Look for that if you're not a fan of super spicy, either!
However, Anthony has a higher tolerance - and willingness - to try extremely spicy foods, so he'll be trying the true Curry of Life. We'll call this the Rock Lee version.
If you want something more in the middle of the road, look for the Naruto version.
A few years ago, Anthony's coworkers had a contest to see who could make it the furthest. One of his coworkers is a hot sauce connoisseur that brought in a bunch for people to try with wings, and Anthony actually made it to the very end... despite some dripping on his chin and making his face go numb as a result.
Mad Dog 357 Gold Edition. Buy it on Amazon.
The hot sauce he got for this recipe is even hotter than the hottest one his coworker brought in to work that day. He'll be using the Mad Dog 357 Gold Edition, which clocks in at 1 million Scoville units. It includes the world's three hottest peppers: the Carolina Reaper Pepper, Scorpion Pepper, and Ghost Pepper.
The bottle even includes a legal disclaimer saying that you're not inebriated, you understand the risks, and you'll tread with caution... and you won't sue the company if you don't. It includes a little bullet-shaped keychain that holds a serving spoon, and it is tiny.
Mad Dog's Serving Spoon vs. 1/2 tsp measuring spoon
What we'll be doing is adding our spicy element after we've already made our curry, so that way we can have some not-spicy-curry available in case it's too much. Then, you get to customize your heat levels each time.
ingredients
- 1 package S&B Golden Curry Powder blocks
- Neji edition: Mild. Buy it on Amazon.
- Naruto edition: Medium Hot. Buy it on Amazon.
- Rock Lee edition: Extra hot. Buy it on Amazon.
- 2.25 cup water
- 2 Yukon gold potatoes, diced
- 2-4 carrots, sliced
- 0.5 sweet onion, diced
- 1 tbsp oil
- hot sauce
- Neji edition: sriracha. Buy it on Amazon.
- Naruto edition: hot sauce. Buy it on Amazon.
- Rock Lee edition: Mad Dog 357 Gold Edition. Buy it on Amazon.
- Protein of choice (I'll be using tofu, air fried for 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rice (I recommend at least 0.5 cup cooked rice per person, but you can add more if you want)
how to make curry of life
- In a pot, heat some onions with oil until they start to caramelize.
- Add sliced carrots and diced potato. Put the lid on and let them steam until tender.
- Add water to your pot.
- Once water begins to boil, add curry blocks. Constantly stir until well mixed.
- Separate curry into servings to add desired amount of hot sauce per serving. If you're using something like the Mad Dog 357, please be cautious! The tiny teaspoon is more than enough for a single serving of curry.
- Serve curry over cooked rice and your choice of protein.
Have a food from an anime that you want me to try to recreate? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, follow me on TikTok to see the behind the scenes of how this was made.
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page!
Whenever I share a recipe with tofu, I usually get a few questions asking to get into more detail for how to make tofu crispy and flavorful.
Tofu can sound intimidating and it gets a bad reputation. But I truly believe that people who don’t like tofu only don’t like it because it wasn’t made properly. The beauty of tofu is that it can take on pretty much whatever flavor you want to give it.
I first started incorporating tofu into my diet for two reasons:
Alongside my tips, I'll be including the recipe for how I make one of my favorite Japanese meals: yakiudon, a stir-fried noodle dish!
Tofu can sound intimidating and it gets a bad reputation. But I truly believe that people who don’t like tofu only don’t like it because it wasn’t made properly. The beauty of tofu is that it can take on pretty much whatever flavor you want to give it.
I first started incorporating tofu into my diet for two reasons:
- As a flexitarian who really only occasionally eats fish, chicken, and turkey, I wanted to add a new type of protein into my diet so I wouldn’t get as bored with my weekly meal prep (I also incorporated seitan for this reason and also love that).
- I also love Japanese food and will be heading to Japan once all this COVID craziness is over and their borders reopen to tourists. Tofu is a huge staple in the Japanese diet. So, I wanted to try it to expand my palate both at home and abroad. I ended up loving it!
Alongside my tips, I'll be including the recipe for how I make one of my favorite Japanese meals: yakiudon, a stir-fried noodle dish!
Yakiudon ingredients (serves 4)
- Udon noodles (use as many noodles as you want to include per serving; I recommend 1 cup cooked per person)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 blocks firm or extra firm tofu
- Veggies of choice: I like to use carrots, green onion, cabbage, & sweet onion, but feel free to get creative here!
- For the sauce (or, you can buy a Mentsuyu sauce or yakisoba sauce on Amazon):
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
- Optional ingredients for topping:
- Bonito flakes to taste
- extra green onion
- furikake seasoning
How to make yakiudon
- Press and drain tofu of water, then cut into cubes. Marinade with soy sauce or some of the mentsuyu sauce, and set in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Pan fry tofu until outside is crispy, or air fry it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. (See notes below for tips of crispy tofu)
- Cook udon noodles in boiling water per package instructions. Be careful to not overcook them since you'll be adding them to your wok or pan later!
- While waiting for the water to boil and/or noodles to cook, mix all of the ingredients for the sauce in a jar or bowl and set aside.
- Add oil to a wok or pan and stir fry your vegetables. Add your noodles, tofu, and sauce and mix well.
- Optional: top with bonito flakes, green onions, and/or furikake seasoning and enjoy!
Tofu mythbusting
Let’s quickly do some myth busting here. Because it’s soy-based, a lot of people worry about an increased breast cancer risk. But (per the Mayo Clinic) studies have actually shown the opposite: eating a moderate amount of soy foods will not increase your risk of cancer, including breast cancer. The studies also show that a diet rich in soy foods can reduce your breast cancer risk!
This is because there are pretty low levels of plant estrogens (called isoflavones) in tofu and other soy foods like edamame and soy milk. These levels aren’t high enough to cause an increase. The same does not hold true for isaflavone supplements, though, so just be sure to chat with your doctor before taking any supplements (especially if you have concerns).
This is because there are pretty low levels of plant estrogens (called isoflavones) in tofu and other soy foods like edamame and soy milk. These levels aren’t high enough to cause an increase. The same does not hold true for isaflavone supplements, though, so just be sure to chat with your doctor before taking any supplements (especially if you have concerns).
Tips for crispy tofu
In my experience, the key to crispy tofu is making sure you properly drain it. Some people like to freeze their tofu before letting it thaw and then draining it because then, you can get some nice little pockets in your tofu for texture. But I don’t think this is necessary if you, like me, frequently forget to freeze it or are trying to make it more quickly and don’t want to wait for it as long.
I like to take my tofu out of the packaging, place it on a towel, and then wrap it tightly in the towel and press it between two cutting boards. Anthony has a large wood cutting board and we also have a smaller marble pastry board, so I’ll use the wood one as a base and then put the pastry board on top.
I let it sit like this for at least 30 minutes, but if I need to expedite the process, I’ll take a dumbbell and place it on top of the pastry board to help speed the process along. If you’re letting it sit for a while, though, I’d recommend using a thicker towel or swapping it out after some time to make sure you’re really getting all the moisture out of the tofu.
You can also press the tofu block in your hands to drain it, but sandwiching it between two heavy objects is easier for me and I know that way, all the moisture is gone.
I like to take my tofu out of the packaging, place it on a towel, and then wrap it tightly in the towel and press it between two cutting boards. Anthony has a large wood cutting board and we also have a smaller marble pastry board, so I’ll use the wood one as a base and then put the pastry board on top.
I let it sit like this for at least 30 minutes, but if I need to expedite the process, I’ll take a dumbbell and place it on top of the pastry board to help speed the process along. If you’re letting it sit for a while, though, I’d recommend using a thicker towel or swapping it out after some time to make sure you’re really getting all the moisture out of the tofu.
You can also press the tofu block in your hands to drain it, but sandwiching it between two heavy objects is easier for me and I know that way, all the moisture is gone.
Tips for more flavorful tofu
The key to flavorful tofu is giving it enough time to marinate. Once I’ve drained my tofu, I’ll dice it up, put it in a bowl with my marinade or sauce of choice, and then just let it hang out in the fridge until I’m ready to cook it. I like to let it marinate for at least an hour but the longer, the better.
Then, once you are ready, you can bake, air fry, or pan fry it. If I’m baking or air frying, I like to do so at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. I’ll start at 15 minutes and then go in 5 minute intervals if I want it crispier. The best way is to have it still be a bit soft on the inside, so you don’t want to overcook it.
Then, once you are ready, you can bake, air fry, or pan fry it. If I’m baking or air frying, I like to do so at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. I’ll start at 15 minutes and then go in 5 minute intervals if I want it crispier. The best way is to have it still be a bit soft on the inside, so you don’t want to overcook it.
Have a food from an anime that you want me to try to recreate? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, follow me on TikTok to see the behind the scenes of how this was made.
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page!
If you've been following along for a little while now, you've probably seen some of my anime recipes on here. One of my favorite shows is Osomatsu-san, and one of the characters runs his own oden stand. My friend Liz introduced me to the show and challenged me to make some oden that Chibita, the oden vendor, would be proud of.
Oden is a Japanese seafood stew. It's a hot pot style dish that is pretty customizable at oden stalls and was super delicious. We ended up making a run to our local Asian market to grab some of these ingredients, but I'll share some things you can also find on Amazon in case your local Asian market doesn't have those or if you need to make it yourself.
I've also made imoni that was featured in Osomatsu-san, so if you want a non-seafood stew, check that out!
Oden is a Japanese seafood stew. It's a hot pot style dish that is pretty customizable at oden stalls and was super delicious. We ended up making a run to our local Asian market to grab some of these ingredients, but I'll share some things you can also find on Amazon in case your local Asian market doesn't have those or if you need to make it yourself.
I've also made imoni that was featured in Osomatsu-san, so if you want a non-seafood stew, check that out!
Oden ingredients as featured in the end credits of Osomatsu-san
What's in oden
Oden typically contains the following ingredients:
- Konnyaku cake (yam cake)
- You will likely need to shop at an Asian market for this. They are typically grey blocks and jelly-like.
- Fish cakes
- You will likely need to shop at an Asian market for this. Look for fresh or frozen packages labeled "oden kit" or "seafood combo"
- Mochi kinchaku (a fried tofu pouch stuffed with plain mochi)
- You will likely need to shop at an Asian market for this
- See below for how to make your own
- Boiled eggs
- Carrots, sliced
- Nishime kombu (dried seaweed)
- You will likely need to shop at an Asian market for this
- Konjac noodles, wrapped
- You can get these at Asian markets or on Amazon here
- Please note that a lot of dieters like to use konjac noodles as a substitute for other noodles because it is low in calories. However, it is also very high in fiber. I recommend small quantities of this item if you include it in your oden, especially if you have never had it before!
- Daikon radish, sliced
- You should be able to get this at nearly any grocery store but an Asian market will almost definitely have it
- Dashi broth with soy sauce and mirin
Make your own aburaage
If you can't find the tofu pouches anywhere, then you can do the following to make your own aburaage:
- Thinly slice a block of tofu and press it to drain the water.
- Once pressed, deep fry the tofu slices, turning them over frequently so the inside can get puffy. The outside of your tofu should look sort of bubbly as it fries.
- Once you're done frying your tofu, slice down the middle. You may need to also slice a bit inside to create the pocket.
- Prepare kirimochi and stuff it into the tofu pocket. We used this exact kirimochi and microwaved it for 4 minutes per the package instructions. Some of it came out almost burnt, so I'd recommend starting at 2-3 minutes and then monitoring in increments.
- Weave a toothpick through the top to create a pouch shape with the tofu.
My favorite oden recipes
To help me make the oden with the ingredients I did have, I turned to multiple YouTube videos from cooking bloggers to make sure I was doing this right. Even though I couldn't get my hands on konnyaku anywhere, this was still delicious without it thanks to their help and guidance!
But here are some great videos you can watch for inspiration as you build your own oden dish. These are from Just One Cookbook, Kimono Mom, and ochikeron.
But here are some great videos you can watch for inspiration as you build your own oden dish. These are from Just One Cookbook, Kimono Mom, and ochikeron.
The verdict
Oden was a labor of love since there were a lot of moving pieces, so it wasn't the easiest anime food to replicate. However, it was completely worth it. The flavor was delicious and we both really enjoyed this. We'll definitely be making more trips to our local Asian grocery store to see if we can keep finding more of the ingredients when they're in stock!
It was a hearty dish that was packed with veggies and protein, so it was very filling without feeling heavy in your stomach.
It was a hearty dish that was packed with veggies and protein, so it was very filling without feeling heavy in your stomach.
Have a food from an anime that you want me to try to recreate? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, follow me on TikTok to see the behind the scenes of how this was made.
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page!
Now that I have agar agar powder in my pantry after making Tsuyu Asui-inspired jelly, I wanted to try another famous jelly recipe from anime: coffee jelly! Coffee jelly got its start in the UK, but is now common in Japan's convenience stores and restaurants.
This dessert makes an appearance in The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, an anime about a teenager with psychic superpowers. Kusuo Saiki, the titular character, is a big fan of coffee jelly. Given I have quite the caffeine addiction myself, I was excited to give this a try!
This dessert makes an appearance in The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, an anime about a teenager with psychic superpowers. Kusuo Saiki, the titular character, is a big fan of coffee jelly. Given I have quite the caffeine addiction myself, I was excited to give this a try!
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Coffee jelly is sometimes served as cubes inside a sweet cream (almost resembling an iced coffee beverage), but we'll be making ours to look as close to the show's as possible, which looks more like a ramekin-sized block of jelly with whipped cream. Since agar agar powder is vegan, to keep this a plant-based recipe, we'll be using a nondairy whipped cream.
I'm using Reddi Whip's almond milk variant, but if you prefer the coconut milk whipped cream or another vegan whipped cream then that works too.
Coffee jelly is sometimes served as cubes inside a sweet cream (almost resembling an iced coffee beverage), but we'll be making ours to look as close to the show's as possible, which looks more like a ramekin-sized block of jelly with whipped cream. Since agar agar powder is vegan, to keep this a plant-based recipe, we'll be using a nondairy whipped cream.
I'm using Reddi Whip's almond milk variant, but if you prefer the coconut milk whipped cream or another vegan whipped cream then that works too.
Ingredients (Makes approx. 5 servings)
- 2-3 tsp instant coffee (depending on how strong you want it)
- 6 oz water in a mug
- 1.5 cups water to boil
- 2 tsp agar agar aka kanten powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract or Jordan's Skinny Syrups Vanilla
- 1 tbsp sweetener (I'm using Stevia to keep this low calorie, but you can absolutely use real sugar)
- The Stevia I use is Whole Earth, which is plant-based & suitable for vegans! If you are trying to keep this dish vegan, just be aware that some refined sugars get their color from a process that involves bone char.
- Whipped cream (non-dairy to keep this dish vegan); I like to use about 4 tbsp per serving
Instructions
- Add agar agar powder, sweetener, vanilla, and 1.5 cup water to a pot and whisk together. Do this before the water has started to boil to prevent clumping.
- While you wait for the water to heat up, prepare your instant coffee with instant coffee and 6 oz water. Add to the pot.
- Once your water is at a rolling boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Fill ramekins (mine filled 5 ramekins total, but this may vary depending on the size of yours) or other container with mixture and let sit in the fridge.
- Optional: When ready to serve, remove from ramekin and present on a plate or in a glass.
- Serve with whipped cream.
Nutritional Information
Including the whipped cream, if you use stevia, each of the five ramekins contains...
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If you're following Weight Watchers, this recipe is super low in SmartPoints! This is only 1 SmartPoint on all myWW plans.
The Verdict
I'm a huge fan of coffee and often drink it black. So that being said, I thought this was sweet but not too sweet! The flavor profile reminded me a lot of a more dressed up iced coffee drink, and the jelly texture is great for this warmer spring weather we've been having in Florida. I'd rate it a 9/10, and will give it a 10/10 next time when I make the coffee a bit stronger.
For ease of replication, definitely a 10/10. Agar agar is super easy to work with, even more so than standard gelatin in my opinion.
Have a food from an anime that you want me to try to recreate? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, follow me on TikTok to see the behind the scenes of how this was made.
For ease of replication, definitely a 10/10. Agar agar is super easy to work with, even more so than standard gelatin in my opinion.
Have a food from an anime that you want me to try to recreate? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, follow me on TikTok to see the behind the scenes of how this was made.
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Jessica is a huge Disney, anime, and Star Wars nerd who channeled that love into motivation to lose 75 lbs.
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