Vietnamese Braised Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms Recipe

Braised tofu with shiitake mushrooms is a nutritious vegetarian dish that combines the distinct flavor of mushrooms with the smooth texture of tofu. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare, making it perfect for cozy family meals. Let’s explore the detailed recipe to create this enticing dish!

Braised Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms Recipe

Ingredients for Braised Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms (serves 4)

• White tofu: 4 pieces
• Dried shiitake mushrooms: 50 grams (or dried shiitake mushrooms)
• Vegetarian fish sauce: 2 teaspoons
• Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Chili sauce: 2 teaspoons
• Common seasonings: sugar, MSG, ground black pepper
• Cooking oil: 1 tablespoon

Note: You can substitute dried shiitake mushrooms with fresh mushrooms if preferred.

How to Choose Fresh Ingredients

Choosing Good Tofu

• Choose tofu with a natural off-white color, avoiding those that are too yellow as they may contain more gypsum.
• Hold the tofu in your hand; it should feel light but still have good elasticity and not easily crumble.
• The tofu should have a mild aroma, without any strange or pungent smells.

Choosing Quality Dried Shiitake Mushrooms

• Good dried shiitake mushrooms typically have a light brown cap and are not broken or crumbly.
• Check carefully for mold or unusual spots. Quality mushrooms will have a distinctive, pleasant smell.

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Wash the tofu and cut it into bite-sized squares.
• Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in water for about 10 minutes to soften, then rinse thoroughly and cut them in half or leave whole depending on their size.

Preparing Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

• Mix the seasonings: 2 teaspoons of vegetarian fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of chili sauce, 1 teaspoon of MSG, and 1 cup of water. Stir until all the seasonings are completely dissolved.

Preparing the Sauce

Step 3: Braise the Tofu

• Place a pot on the stove and heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the sauce mixture to the pot and stir well.
• Add the tofu and shiitake mushrooms to the pot, then add 2 cups of water so that it covers the mixture by about an inch.
• Bring to a boil over high heat for 5 minutes, then reduce to a simmer and continue cooking until the sauce is almost gone. Finally, sprinkle some ground black pepper on top and turn off the heat.

Braising the Tofu

Step 4: Complete and Enjoy

• The finished dish will have an attractive color from the golden tofu and the dark shiitake mushrooms. The rich, creamy flavor of the tofu combined with the chewy texture of the mushrooms is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Finished Braised Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms

Conclusion

With this simple recipe for braised tofu with shiitake mushrooms, you can easily whip up a tasty and nutritious meal for your family. Not only is it suitable for everyday meals, but it’s also a great choice for those who enjoy vegetarian cuisine. Save this recipe and showcase your cooking skills to create meaningful meals for your loved ones!

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References

• How to Choose Good Tofu
• How to Choose Quality Dried Shiitake Mushrooms