"Steak" Tofu... Pan-Fried Tofu with Mushrooms

This is my kind of eating... something simple, full on flavour and a great main or side dish to accompany any Asian meal! My niece Kathia from Montreal contributed this piece. She's into healthy eating and I was delighted to receive it to share with all of you! I cook a similar Korean pan-fried tofu dish with dressing but the topping of duo Japanese mushrooms really makes this extraordinary. Another super thing is that firm tofu could nicely replace the meat in your meal as it is high in protein (the highest in tofu types) and the texture is quite hearty and unyielding- think "steak" tofu. If you've ever wondered about tofu, this is a perfect recipe to give a try and to adopt a Meatless Monday routine once in a while. 

Pan-Fried Tofu with Mushrooms

Makes 4 to 6 servings

500 g firm tofu
2 Tbsp. canola oil, divided
5 dried shiitake mushrooms, reconstituted in water for one hour, and cut into thin strips
50 g enoki mushrooms
80 g brown shimeji mushrooms
3 Tbsp. soy green onion dipping sauce (see below)
pinch of fine-grain sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Photos courtesy of Kathia Le

Soy Green Onion Dipping Sauce 
Makes about 1-½ cups or 1/2 the ingredients to yield 3/4 cup

1/3 cup low-sodium or regular soy sauce 

2 Tbsp. rice vinegar

1 Tbsp. honey

2 Tbsp. sesame oil

2 Tbsp. crushed toasted sesame seeds

¼ cup chopped green onions

pinch of Korean coarse red pepper flakes to taste

Make extra sauce to drizzle over steamed fish or cooked noodles.

Specialty product sold at Korean supermarkets.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, honey, water and sesame oil. Add the red pepper flakes, sesame seeds and green onions. Mix.

TIP: The sauce is good for a week in an airtight container without the onions and for three days once they are added. 

      
1)  Place the tofu on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave for one minute. Drain the liquid from the plate. Cut the tofu in half and then in half again making four equal-size pieces.

       2)  Heat 1 Tbsp. of the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu pieces and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until nicely browned. Transfer to a serving platter.

      3) Add the remaining 1 Tbsp. oil to the skillet. Add the mushrooms, sprinkle salt and pepper and stir-fry for two minutes until mushrooms are softened.   

   

     

      

     
      
4)  Arrange the mushrooms mixture on top of the tofu pieces. Drizzle on the dipping sauce and serve more at the table. 

Delicious and Appetitzing! Flavour on flavour! "Steak" tofu and mushrooms- YUM!