Small Plates: Four Easy Japanese Izakaya Dishes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 4 thighs), trimmed of excess fat, and cut into rough 1-inch chunks
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced on microplane or pressed through garlic press
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 1 quart peanut oil
• 1/4 cup corn starch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 scallion, sliced fine, slices stored in ice water until ready to use (optional)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
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• 2 cups dashi (see recipe, bottom)
• 3 tablespoons mirin
• One (12.3-ounce) package of firm or extra-firm silken-style tofu, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• Salt
• 2 scallions, sliced fine, slices stored in ice water until ready to use (optional)
• Large pinch katsuobushi (dried, shaved bonito) (optional)
• 1 tablespoon white or light red miso paste
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie-style)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon dashi
• 1 pound sashimi-grade tuna, cut into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch cubes
• 1 ripe avocado, cut into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch cubes
• 2 scallions, sliced thin
• 1/4 cup picked cilantro leaves
• 1 pound Japanese eggplant (about 3 medium)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup dashi
• 3 tablespoons cup soy sauce