Braised Tofu & Bamboo Shoots: A Flavorful Vegan Dish

Braised tofu with fresh bamboo shoots is a simple yet incredibly flavorful vegan dish, perfect for enriching family meals. Combining soft tofu with crispy fresh bamboo shoots, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Let’s discover how to make braised tofu with fresh bamboo shoots to add to your vegan menu!

To begin, we need to prepare the following ingredients:

• Fresh Bamboo Shoots: 500 gr
• Straw Mushrooms: 200 gr
• White Tofu: 100 gr
• Fried Tofu: 100 gr
• Green Onions: 10 gr
• Soy Sauce: 7 tablespoons
• Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Vegetarian Seasoning Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Salt/Pepper: A small amount

Ingredients for braised tofu with fresh bamboo shoots

Ingredient Preparation

Preparing Bamboo Shoots

After purchasing the bamboo shoots, peel off the hard and fibrous outer layers. Take the tender core and wash it thoroughly. Cut the bamboo shoots into 3 small segments and boil them with 1 teaspoon of salt for about 30 minutes to remove any bitterness. Once cooked, remove the bamboo shoots and soak them in an ice bath for about 10 minutes. Afterward, drain them well and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about one finger-length long.

Preparing fresh bamboo shoots

Preparing Other Ingredients

Trim the stems of the straw mushrooms, then soak them in salted water for about 15 minutes, wash thoroughly, and drain. Briefly rinse the tofu, pat it dry, then cut it into thick blocks, about one finger-length thick. Wash the green onions, drain them, finely chop the white parts, and reserve the green parts.

Preparing other ingredients like mushrooms and tofu

Cooking Braised Tofu with Fresh Bamboo Shoots

Sautéing Ingredients

Place a pan on the stove over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Once hot, add the chopped white parts of the green onions and sauté until fragrant, then add the straw mushrooms and stir-fry. Next, add the bamboo shoots and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, seasoning with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vegetarian seasoning powder, and 1/3 teaspoon of salt. Stir well for about 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to absorb the flavors.

Sautéing mushrooms and bamboo shoots

Braising Tofu with Bamboo Shoots

Once the sautéed ingredients are slightly reduced, add 7 tablespoons of soy sauce and stir well for about 3 minutes. Then, gently add the tofu, followed by 50ml of filtered water, and braise for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. At this point, cut the green parts of the green onions into approximately 2 finger-length segments and add them, along with 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Stir gently, taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and turn off the heat.

Braised tofu and bamboo shoots simmering in sauce

Finished Dish

A hot and aromatic plate of braised tofu with fresh bamboo shoots is ready, with golden, crispy, and flavorful bamboo shoots, sweet straw mushrooms, and perfectly seasoned tofu. It’s incredibly delicious and appealing. You can enjoy this dish with hot rice to savor its full flavor.

Finished braised tofu with fresh bamboo shoots dish

Tips for Choosing Ingredients

How to Choose Fresh and Delicious Bamboo Shoots

• Choose fresh bamboo shoots that are coarse in shape, with evenly sized thick and thin sections, not bent, crispy but tender, without yellow leaves, no spots on the surface, thin skin, and not wilted.
• Visually, the bamboo shoots should have thin, crispy skin. Avoid overly white bamboo shoots. Look for those with a yellowish-brown color, dry to the touch, and distinct veins.
• Prioritize smaller shoots, as they tend to be fleshier and have a richer flavor. Nứa bamboo shoots are recommended for their sweetness and ease of preparation.

How to Choose Delicious Tofu

• To select good tofu free from gypsum, choose pieces that are off-white, not yellowish.
• Opt for pieces that feel light and smooth to the touch; these are usually good quality tofu.
• Fresh, pure tofu will have a distinct aromatic smell, while tofu containing impurities might have a faint lime-like odor.
• When cooked, pure tofu will release a fragrant, rich soy flavor. Tofu with impurities may have a slightly bitter taste.

How to Choose Delicious Straw Mushrooms

• Select straw mushrooms that are round and still in bud form. Avoid those that have fully opened.
• Darker colored straw mushrooms are generally considered tastier than white ones.
• Do not choose mushrooms that show signs of damage, sliminess, or bruising.

Small Cooking Tips

• Sautéing the mushrooms and bamboo shoots helps them to firm up and absorb the seasonings better.
• You can add a little chili sauce for a hint of spiciness, making the dish richer and more delicious.

Conclusion

Braised tofu with fresh bamboo shoots is an easy-to-make yet very delicious and nutritious vegan dish. With simple cooking steps and readily available ingredients, you can easily prepare this dish at home to treat your family. Give it a try and experience the wonderful flavors of this meal!

If you want to explore more vegan recipes, check out how to make crispy and delicious braised tofu with fresh bamboo shoots. To add variety to your meals, you can try how to make braised tofu with dried bamboo shoots or how to make chayote braised with shiitake mushrooms. Additionally, how to make braised pumpkin with tofu and how to make braised bean curd skin with vegetables are also excellent choices for your vegan meals.