Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry With Mushrooms Recipe
Tofu Stir-Fry With Mushrooms
Tofu Stir-Fry With Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1 (14-oz.) block of extra-firm tofu, drained and diced into 1x¼" pieces
- 1 lb. assorted mushrooms (like maitake, shiitake, oyster, button, and/or crimini)
- 6 green onions
- 1 (2") segment of ginger
- 1½ tsp. cornstarch
- ½ tsp. crushed red chili flakes
- Kosher salt
- 3 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce, separated
- 2 Tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine) or mirin
- 2 Tbsp. (or more) cooking oil, separated
- Cooked white rice and toasted sesame seeds (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1
To start your tofu stir-fry off right, let’s focus on getting that tofu prepped and ready to shine. First, grab a 14-ounce block of extra-firm tofu and drain it well. This helps to ensure that your tofu can soak up all the delicious flavors later. Cut the drained tofu into pieces that are about 1 inch by ¼ inch. Now, place the tofu pieces on a plate lined with paper towels. Lay another paper towel on top and gently press down to absorb any excess moisture. You want your tofu to be as dry as possible for that perfect golden crust when you cook it. This should only take a minute or two, but , it makes all the difference! Once you’re done, you’ll be ready to toss that beautifully pressed tofu into the pan for a sizzling stir-fry.
Step 2
To start, gently wipe down 1 pound of mixed mushrooms—like maitake, shiitake, oyster, button, or crimini—with a damp paper towel. This will remove any dirt without washing them, which helps maintain their delicious texture. Once clean, tear the mushrooms into roughly 1-inch pieces. You want them to be bite-sized for that perfect stir-fry experience. Set them aside and admire your handiwork; those mushrooms are going to add so much flavor to your dish!
Step 3
Start by preparing your scallions. Trim off the root ends and toss them aside; we won’t need those. Next, slice the scallions into 1-inch pieces, setting them aside in a small bowl. Now let’s tackle the ginger. Using the edge of a spoon, gently peel the skin off a 2-inch piece of ginger. Once it’s all peeled, thinly slice it crosswise into delicate rounds. You’ll want these slices to be nice and thin so they can release their flavor beautifully in the stir-fry. With your scallions and ginger ready, you're one step closer to a delicious meal!
Step 4
To start, grab a medium bowl and carefully transfer your tofu cubes into it. This is where the magic begins! Sprinkle in 1½ teaspoons of cornstarch for that delightful crunch, followed by ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Add a pinch of kosher salt to enhance all those wonderful flavors. Now, drizzle 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce over the tofu, and using a spoon, gently mix everything together. You want to make sure each piece of tofu is evenly coated without breaking them apart. Take a moment to admire that beautiful blend of ingredients clinging to your tofu — it’s going to be delicious!
Step 5
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of seasoned rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine (or mirin if you prefer), and the remaining 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce. Use a whisk or a fork to stir everything together until well blended. Once mixed, set this flavorful rice vinegar mixture aside; it will add a delicious depth to your stir-fry later on. Just imagine how these ingredients will come together to elevate your dish!
Step 6
Start by pouring 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil into a large nonstick skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers with a bit of excitement. Once the oil is ready, add your sliced mushrooms, chopped scallions, and minced ginger to the pan. Toss everything together frequently, allowing the mushrooms and scallions to develop a lovely browned color in spots and the mushrooms to soften, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. As you stir, sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. When they look perfectly caramelized and enticing, transfer them to a medium bowl and get ready for the next delicious step!
Step 7
To start, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Once the oil is hot, carefully arrange the seasoned tofu pieces in the pan in a single layer, making sure they’re not crowded. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust underneath. If you notice that the pan is looking a bit dry or the tofu is sticking, don’t hesitate to add a splash more oil. After the first side is golden, use a spatula to gently turn each piece over. Allow them to cook for another 2 minutes without stirring, until the second side is also perfectly golden. If you’re using a skillet that isn’t nonstick, you might need to gently scrape the tofu away from the pan’s surface to release it. Just look at that lovely color—it’s a sign you’re on the right track!
Step 8
Once your mushroom mixture is back in the pan, pour in that reserved rice vinegar mixture you set aside earlier. Turn the heat to medium and cook everything together, tossing and stirring frequently. You’ll want to keep an eye on it for about 30 seconds, watching as the sauce begins to bubble and thicken—this is when it will start to cling to the mushrooms and veggies beautifully. Just remember, the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a touch saucy at this point. When the sauce looks glossy and well-coated, remove the pan from the heat. Give your stir-fry a quick taste, and if you think it needs a little more salt, sprinkle some in until it’s just right. Enjoy the vibrant colors and aromas before serving!
Step 9
To serve your delicious tofu stir-fry, start by spooning a generous portion of fluffy, steamed white rice onto each plate. You can prepare the rice while you cook the stir-fry, so it’s hot and ready to go. Once your rice is in place, ladle the stir-fried tofu and mushrooms over the top, letting those vibrant colors shine through. For that final touch, sprinkle a handful of toasted sesame seeds on top, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Enjoy the wonderful combination of textures and tastes in every bite!
Nutrition Information
My Tip
To achieve a delightful texture for your tofu, make sure to press it thoroughly between paper towels for at least 15 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the tofu to develop a beautifully crispy crust when you stir-fry it.
Leftovers
To store your Tofu Stir-Fry with Mushrooms, place leftovers in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to help retain the tofu's crispy edges while warming everything through.
Make It Your Own
For a delightful twist, swap the tofu for tempeh for a nuttier flavor and firmer texture. You can also replace the soy sauce with tamari to make it gluten-free while still keeping that savory depth.