Craving a vibrant, flavorful vegetarian dish that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Savory Fried Tofu & King Oyster Mushroom Stir-Fry, a culinary delight bursting with umami richness and a delightful textural contrast. King oyster mushrooms, with their meaty texture, stand in perfectly for the protein of a traditional stir-fry, while crispy pan-fried tofu adds a delightful satisfying element. The addition of tangy pickled plums offers a unique sweetness and sourness that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary.
This recipe is a perfect weeknight meal, ready in under 30 minutes, and adaptable to your preferred level of spice. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe straightforward and incredibly rewarding. For a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious stir-fry, complete with helpful tips and variations, continue reading below.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Kitchen scissors
- Plastic bag
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Deep-fried tofu
- King oyster mushrooms
- Pickled plums (umeboshi): 30g (or more, adjust to your preference)
- Ginger
- Bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
- Sugar
- Potato starch
- Salt
- Sesame oil
- Water
- Wasabi (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Seasoning
- Cut the deep-fried tofu into thin slices (about 1cm thick). Remove excess oil if needed. Place the tofu slices in a plastic bag and sprinkle with potato starch.
- Cut the king oyster mushrooms lengthwise into halves, then into similar shapes to the tofu. This ensures even cooking and a pleasing presentation.
- finely chop the pickled plums using kitchen scissors (leave the seeds in), mix with sugar, mirin, soy sauce, and a little water to adjust the sweetness and sourness.
Step 2. Stir-fry Mushrooms and Tofu
- Heat sesame oil in a frying pan. Add the king oyster mushrooms and sprinkle with salt to draw out moisture and concentrate flavor. Stir-fry until softened and slightly browned.
- Temporarily remove the king oyster mushrooms. Add the deep-fried tofu to the pan and brown evenly.
- Return the king oyster mushrooms to the pan. Add the prepared pickled plum seasoning and mix well.
Step 3. Combine and Finish
- Stir-fry until everything is heated through and the flavors have combined. Turn off the heat and add bonito flakes for extra flavor.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve immediately, or optionally add a small amount of wasabi for an extra kick of flavor.
Read more: Shojin Ryori: Delicious Buddhist Vegetarian Recipes
Tips
- Cutting the tofu and mushrooms into similar shapes ensures that they cook evenly and that the texture contrast is maximized.
- Sprinkling salt on the king oyster mushrooms before frying draws out excess moisture, intensifying their flavor and improving their texture.
- Adding wasabi at the end enhances the flavor, but can be omitted if you are not a fan of wasabi.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbs: 50-60g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! Shiitake, cremini, or even button mushrooms would work well, though king oyster mushrooms offer a unique meaty texture.
2. What if I don't have pickled plums?
You can substitute with a splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar for a similar tangy-sweet flavor, or omit entirely for a simpler savory profile.
3. How can I make the tofu extra crispy?
Press the tofu to remove excess water before frying. Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the tofu, and don't overcrowd the pan – fry in batches for even crisping.
This Savory Fried Tofu & King Oyster Mushroom Stir-Fry with Pickled Plums is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dish. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying vegetarian meal!