Stir-fried Tofu with Mushrooms

 Dive into a delectable vegetarian delight with our Stir-Fried Tofu with Mushrooms.  This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring crispy golden tofu and a medley of tender, chewy mushrooms.  The tofu's satisfying crunch pairs perfectly with the savory goodness of mushrooms, all brought together by a luscious, umami-rich sauce.  It’s not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable feast. Perfect when served over a bed of fluffy, steamed rice—this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.  Let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 14 oz. firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups assorted mushrooms (shiitake, wood ear, enoki, oyster)
• ½ cup total carrots and celery, shredded
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• ½ cup white onion, chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
• Oil for frying and stir-frying

Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup coconut water
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sriracha sauce
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp mushroom seasoning
• 1 tsp cornstarch (dissolved in a bit of water)

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• A sprinkle of black pepper (optional)

Directions:

1.    Preparing the Ingredients:

·         Soak the wood ear mushrooms in warm water until soft, then rinse and cut into bite-sized pieces.

·         Separate the white and green parts of the green onions.

·         Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and fry until golden and crispy on all sides.  Set aside.

2.    Sautéing the Aromatics:

·         Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat.

·         Add the white onion, minced garlic, and ginger.  Sauté until fragrant.

3.    Cooking the Mushrooms and Vegetables:

·         Add the assorted mushrooms and stir-fry for about 2 minutes.

·         Add the shredded carrots and celery, stirring to combine.

4.    Combining with Tofu and Sauce:

·         Return the fried tofu to the pan and mix well.

·         Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, then pour it over the tofu and mushrooms.

·         Stir well and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.  Adjust seasoning if needed.

5.    Final Touches:

·         Transfer to a serving plate.

·         Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. Sprinkle with black pepper, if desired.

Serving Suggestion:

Enjoy this dish hot with steamed rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal.