Braised Tofu with Mushrooms

Name: Braised Tofu with Mushrooms
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 14 oz firm tofu, pressed, cubed; 8 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms (or cremini), stems removed, sliced; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 cup vegetable broth; 2 tbsp vegan oyster sauce (mushroom-based); 2 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry); 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 2 tsp cornstarch; 3 tbsp cold water; 3 green onions, sliced

Firm tofu and earthy mushrooms gently braised in a savory soy-ginger sauce until the tofu absorbs rich umami flavor. A comforting, protein-rich vegan dish perfect over steamed rice or noodles.

35 minEasyServes 4260 cal/serving

ChineseDinnerStovetopVeganVegetarianHigh FiberLow CarbLow-SodiumNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, pressed, cubed
8 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms (or cremini), stems removed, sliced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 cup vegetable broth
2 tbsp vegan oyster sauce (mushroom-based)
2 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 tsp cornstarch
3 tbsp cold water
3 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1

Press 14 oz pressed, cubed firm tofu between paper towels for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
2

In a small bowl, stir together 2 tsp cornstarch and 3 tbsp cold water to make a slurry. Set aside.
3

Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until golden. Flip and brown the other sides, about 2 more minutes. Transfer to a plate.
4

In the same pan over medium heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp minced fresh ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5

Add 8 oz stems removed, sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms (or cremini) and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
6

Pour in 2 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry), 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp vegan oyster sauce (mushroom-based), and 1 cup vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
7

Return the browned tofu to the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes, gently turning the tofu once so it absorbs the sauce.
8

Stir the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the pan. Stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to coat the tofu.
9

Remove from heat and drizzle with 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Garnish with 3 sliced green onions and serve over steamed rice.

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Questions

Do I have to press the tofu for Braised Tofu with Mushrooms?

Step 1 reads: "Press 14 oz pressed, cubed firm tofu between paper towels for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes." Yes, if you want it to brown. Step 1 squeezes out water that would otherwise steam the surface and dilute the sauce.

Is there a substitute for Shaoxing wine in Braised Tofu with Mushrooms?

The entry for Braised Tofu with Mushrooms calls for 2 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry). In its place: Dry sherry is the standard stand-in, measure for measure. For no alcohol, use chicken stock with a splash of rice vinegar.

Can I use a different firmness of tofu instead of tofu in Braised Tofu with Mushrooms?

Go firmer, not softer. Extra-firm stands in for firm anywhere; anything softer breaks up when it is fried or stirred. Press it for 15 minutes either way. As written, the entry for Braised Tofu with Mushrooms uses 14 oz firm tofu, pressed, cubed.

Can I make Braised Tofu with Mushrooms gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Braised Tofu with Mushrooms is 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp vegan oyster sauce (mushroom-based). Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Braised Tofu with Mushrooms contain shellfish?

Yes: 2 tbsp vegan oyster sauce (mushroom-based). The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, soy, shellfish and sesame. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Braised Tofu with Mushrooms?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 260 calories, with 12 g protein, 12 g carbohydrate and 18 g fat, plus 5 g fiber and 206 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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