Chinese Mushroom Smothered Bean Curd Aka Tofu Food

STIR-FRIED TOFU AND SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS IN SPICY BLACK BEAN SAUCE

Steps:

• Place mushrooms in large bowl. Pour 3 cups boiling water over; let soak until mushrooms soften, at least 25 minutes and up to 4 hours. Drain. Cut off stems and discard; finely chop caps.
• Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons vegetable broth in 2-cup measuring cup. Stir in remaining broth, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and salt.
• Heat oil in heavy large wok or nonstick skillet over high heat until very hot. Add mushrooms; stir-fry until browned, about 3 minutes. Add leek; stir-fry until beginning to brown, about 1 minute. Add black beans, ginger, garlic, chili-garlic sauce, and peppercorns; stir-fry 30 seconds. Stir cornstarch mixture to blend, then stir into vegetable mixture. Add tofu; toss gently to coat with sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 4 minutes.
• Spoon tofu mixture into serving bowl. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
• *Available at Asian markets and specialty foods stores and in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets.

CHINESE MUSHROOM SMOTHERED BEAN CURD AKA TOFU

Steps:

• Quarter your bean curd squares then cut into 2 triangles. Turn each on longest side and cut thru to make 3 thin triangles from each. Set aside.
• Cover mushrooms with 3/4 cup boiling water and soak 1 hour. Lightly squeeze to let liquid drain back into bowl [NOTE this is where you get the mushroom liquid. The soaking water not the rinse step] then rinse briefly and squeeze dry. Destem and cut cap into 1/2 inch wide slices. Place scallions, ginger, mushrooms and curd on work tray. Measure mushroom liquid if you are short 1/2 cup add some stock or water.
• Heat large heavy skillet over high until hot. add oil. Swirl. heat for 15 seconds. Lower heat to med and place scallions and ginger in and stir rapidly a few times. Add the sherry, soy, sugar and mushroom liquid. As it sizzles to boil add mushrooms and bean curd. Turn gently a few times. Adjust heat to maintain gentle simmer. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Turn contents half way thru.
• You should be minus the liquid or close to it at this point. Add the oil and turn once more. The serve.

FRIED BEAN CURD (TOFU) WITH SOY SAUCE BY SY

Steps:

• Place oil in a pan and use low to medium heat (a Teflon pan works best).
• Fry half the bean curd until golden brown, turn as needed and then remove to a serving plate.
• Fry and remove the balance of the bean curd.
• Place the sliced scallions and peppers on top of the fried bean curd.
• In the wok with a little oil remaining, add sesame seeds (option) fry briefly.
• Then add the stock, soy sauce, sesame oil.
• Stir once until heated and then pour over the tofu in the serving plate.
• Enjoy!
• Note: Do not use soft or silken tofu.