PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a softened processed food, having unconventional new texture through easy softening of food, while performing heating process such as food sterilization and cooking, without causing problems that includes influence on sensuous aspects, such as flavor of food, caused by using conventional additives. SOLUTION: A method for producing the processed food includes impregnating a protein gel food with raw soy sauce, subjecting the product to a heat-treating step, and ripening and softening the product. The ripening temperature in the method is preferably 3-65°C. The softened processed food is obtained by impregnating a protein gel food with raw soy sauce, and ripening the product, after a heat-treating step. Theripening temperature for the processed food is, preferably, within the range of 3-65°C. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
