Shiitake and Tofu Stir Fry

Yes, the looks like one sad pile of brown things that didn’t belong together. However, they tasted pretty good. And that’s because shiitake is so flavourful, it could lift any boring dish. This was my first time cooking shiitake and I wanted to pair it with something that wouldn’t take away from it. Enter, tofu. Tofu essentially soaks up anything that’s around it. Simply put these two together with some soy, chilli, ginger and garlic. Easy and quick dinner in under 20 mins.

I discovered a few shiny new vegetables like the Thai red chilli and some not so shiny ones like dried shiitake. You wouldn’t believe how stinky the shiitake gets once soaked in warm water. But you’ll get over it, don’t worry. And shiitake does take a few more minutes than your regular button mushrooms.

Prep time:

5 mins

Cooking time:

12-15 mins

Ingredients:

Shiitake mushroom – 4 medium, soaked in warm water so it rehydrates

(If you can’t get your hands on shiitake, use regular button mushrooms but more.)

Tofu – 100 grams, cut into cubes

Onion – 1 small, sliced

Ginger – 1 inch piece finely chopped

Garlic – 3 cloves chopped

Basil leaves – 4-5 chopped

Oil – to pan fry the tofu + 2 tsp

Sauce:

Soy – 1 tbsp

Honey – 1 tsp

Chilli – 1, sliced

Chilli paste or sauce – 1 tsp

Vinegar – 2 tsp

Method:

Soak the dried mushrooms in warm water and don’t throw away the water.

Whisk the ingredients for the sauce and marinate the tofu in it.

Heat some oil in a nonstick pan and brown the tofu. It should take around 3-4 minutes.

In another pan heat 2 tsp of oil and saute the onions in it till translucent.

Add the ginger and garlic at this point and stir.

Now add the shiitake mushrooms along with 1/2 cup of the water they were soaking in.

Stir in the soy and let it come to a boil. Now cover and let it simmer for about 5-6 mins.

Check it the mushrooms are cooked – they should be cooked through and still have a bite.

If you’re using button mushrooms, just add a splash a water and let them cook.

Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the tofu.

Mix all the ingredients for the sauce and pour it into the mushrooms and tofu.

Let this bubble for another 2 mins and turn off the heat.

Garnish with the basil leaves and sliced chilli.

Serve on the side of noodles and fried rice.