Braised Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms
Some people say that good food doesn’t need too many embellishments, just like this Braised Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms. Simple and unpretentious, yet unforgettable. Perhaps this is the true taste.
Why do you like it?
Aromatic: After stir-frying ginger and scallions, the flavor of the shiitake mushrooms is released, and the whole kitchen is filled with a tempting aroma.
Light and nutritious: Both tofu and shiitake mushrooms are very healthy, not greasy when eaten, and especially suitable to pair with rice.
Rich in texture: The tofu absorbs the soup, becoming soft and tender, and with the fresh fragrance of the shiitake mushrooms, it’s very satisfying to eat.
Quick and simple: The entire cooking time takes about 20 minutes, making it especially perfect for a quick dish when you’re busy!
Where can you buy tofu?
Supermarkets: Almost every large supermarket will have tofu, usually in the vegetable section or the refrigerated area.
Asian markets: If you have an Asian supermarket nearby, there will be more varieties of tofu, both fresh and packaged.
Organic stores: Some organic food stores also carry tofu, usually with non-GMO or organic options.
Online stores: If you don’t want to go out, you can find fresh or packaged tofu on some e-commerce platforms, and even buy specific brands or flavors.
INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients
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·150g shiitake mushrooms
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·500g tofu
Additional Ingredients
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·10g ginger
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·10g scallions
Seasonings
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·10ml soy sauce
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·10g oyster sauce
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·3g sugar
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·5g salt
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·2g pepper
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·5ml sesame oil
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·Cornstarch slurry (appropriate amount)
COOKING STEP
Step 1
Cut 150g shiitake mushrooms into pieces and 500g tofu into cubes.
Step 2
Mince 10g ginger and chop 10g scallions into small pieces.
Step 3
Heat 15ml oil in a pan, then add ginger and scallions, stir-fry until fragrant.
Step 4
Add shiitake mushrooms to the pan, stir-fry until aromatic.
Step 5
Add 300ml warm water, 10ml soy sauce, 10g oyster sauce, and 3g sugar, and stir well.
Step 6
Cover the pan and simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 7
Once the water boils, add 500g tofu, cover, and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
Step 8
Then, add 5g salt, gently stir evenly.
Step 9
Sprinkle 2g pepper, add an appropriate amount of cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
Step 10
Drizzle 5ml sesame oil, then remove from the pan and plate.
Step 11
Finally, sprinkle with chopped scallions for garnish, and it's done.
More delicious recipes
Fatty Beef with Enoki Mushrooms
Delicious Glass Noodles with Braised Pork Ribs Recipe
Cooking tips
Choosing shiitake mushrooms: Fresh shiitake mushrooms are best. Don’t cut them into too small pieces, as larger chunks will release a richer flavor when stir-fried. When frying the mushrooms, let them dry out a bit before adding water—this enhances the aroma.
Tofu tips: Soft tofu is the best choice—no need to fry it, just add it directly to the stew. If using firm tofu, you can cook it a little longer, as it has more chewiness and absorbs the flavors better.
Water addition technique: Using warm water helps the flavors blend more easily. You can adjust the amount of water depending on how much broth you like. Towards the end, you can reduce the liquid to thicken the sauce and intensify the flavor.
Scallion garnish tip: Add the scallions at the end to preserve their fragrance. If added too early, they might burn and develop a bitter taste.
Sesame oil at the end: Add sesame oil last for a longer-lasting aroma. Don’t add it too early, or the fragrance will dissipate.
Reducing the sauce: If there’s too much broth, you can reduce it by simmering on low heat. Slowly cook it down to concentrate the flavors.
Storage and reheating
This braised dish can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Be sure to put it in an airtight container to keep the flavor fresh.
Before freezing, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer bag or container. It can be stored for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge first for best flavor.
To reheat, take it out and warm it on medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Don’t heat it too long to keep the dish moist and maintain its texture.
Eating suggestions
Pair with rice: This dish is a perfect match with white rice, especially when the sauce soaks into the rice—it’s super delicious.
Add texture: If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some roasted crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added depth of flavor.
Best eaten hot: This dish is best served hot, as the tofu and shiitake mushrooms soak up all the broth, making it incredibly tender. If you prefer a lighter broth, you can add a bit of water to adjust.
Pair with a side dish: Serve it with a refreshing cold cucumber salad or sour cabbage for a nice contrast that helps cut through the richness and whets your appetite.
FAQs:
If you want it to be more authentic, you could try omitting the oyster sauce, using clear broth or stock instead of water, and adding some spices like goji berries or star anise for a richer flavor.
But, the home-style method tastes great too—the key is making it the way you like it!
REVIEWS
