Tofu with Mushrooms

Tofu with Mushrooms is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the delicate texture of tofu with the earthy and savory flavors of mushrooms. This dish is seasoned with a mixture of light soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder, creating a delicious marinade for the tofu and enhancing the umami flavors of the mushrooms.

To prepare the dish, the tofu is marinated in the flavorful mixture, allowing it to absorb the aromatic seasonings. Dried Chinese mushrooms are soaked in warm water until soft, then sliced and combined with the tofu. The marinade is blended with cornflour and the mushroom soaking liquid to create a thick and luscious sauce.

The tofu and mushrooms are stir-fried in groundnut oil until golden and tender. The green and white parts of spring onions are added for added freshness and crunch. The dish is then simmered briefly until the flavors meld together.

This recipe serves 4 and is perfect for a family meal or for sharing with guests. Serve the Tofu with Mushrooms immediately with rice noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh root ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 225g/8oz firm tofu, cut into 2.5cm/1in cubes
• 6 dried Chinese mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon cornflour
• 2 tablespoons groundnut oil
• 6 spring onions, sliced into 2.5cm/1in lengths, white and green parts separated

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the light soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, brown sugar, crushed garlic, grated ginger, and five-spice powder.
2. Place the tofu cubes in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the tofu, toss well to coat, and let it marinate for about 30 minutes. Drain the tofu, reserving the marinade.
3. Soak the dried Chinese mushrooms in warm water for 20-30 minutes until they become soft. Drain the mushrooms, reserving 75ml/3fl oz of the soaking liquid. Squeeze out any excess liquid from the mushrooms, remove the stalks, and slice the caps. In a bowl, blend the cornflour with the reserved marinade and mushroom soaking liquid.
4. Heat the groundnut oil in a wok or large heavy frying pan until hot. Add the tofu and stir-fry for 3 minutes or until evenly golden. Remove the tofu from the wok using a slotted spoon and set it aside.
5. Add the mushrooms and the white parts of the spring onions to the wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Pour in the marinade mixture and stir for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
6. Return the tofu to the wok, along with the green parts of the spring onions. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve the Tofu with Mushrooms immediately with rice noodles.

YIELD:

• Serves 4

Tofu with Mushrooms is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings together the soft and delicate texture of tofu with the rich and earthy flavors of mushrooms. This dish is seasoned with a combination of light soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder, creating a marinade that infuses the tofu and mushrooms with a savory and aromatic taste.

To prepare this dish, the tofu is marinated in the flavorful mixture, allowing it to absorb the delicious seasonings. Dried Chinese mushrooms are soaked until they become soft and then sliced to add a meaty texture and umami flavor to the dish. The marinade is thickened with cornflour and the reserved soaking liquid, creating a luscious and savory sauce.

The tofu and mushrooms are stir-fried until golden and tender in groundnut oil, adding a slight nutty flavor to the dish. The green and white parts of spring onions are added for a fresh and crisp element. The dish is simmered briefly to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.

This recipe serves 4, making it ideal for a family meal or for sharing with friends. Serve the Tofu with Mushrooms immediately with rice noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of tofu, mushrooms, and aromatic seasonings creates a delicious and wholesome dish that will surely be enjoyed by all.

Experience the delightful flavors of Tofu with Mushrooms, and savor the perfect balance of textures and tastes in each bite.