Chewy King Oyster Mushroom and Tofu Braise
How About a Chewy and Springy King Oyster Mushroom and Tofu Braise?
My husband praised how delicious this tofu braise with king oyster mushrooms was! It’s wonderfully chewy and springy. The combination of savory mushrooms and soft tofu creates a dish that’s irresistible with rice.
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (pan-frying tofu recommended)
- 2 king oyster mushrooms (large and plump ones)
- 1 medium onion
- 3 Tbsp minced green onion
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (or cooking oil)
Braising Sauce- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/light soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for aroma!)
- 100ml water (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/light soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for aroma!)
- 100ml water (about 1/2 cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the king oyster mushrooms under running water. Then, slice them vertically into about 1cm thick pieces. Aim for a slightly substantial thickness for a better texture.
Step 2
Peel the onion, wash it, and then slice it into strips about 0.5cm thick. If you slice them too thinly, they might break down too much when cooked.
Step 3
Cut the block of tofu into about 12 pieces (e.g., 3×4 grid) into bite-sized portions. Pat the surface of the tofu dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent oil splattering when pan-frying and to achieve a nice, firm exterior.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine 1/2 Tbsp gochujang, 3 Tbsp gochugaru, 4 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 100ml water. Whisk until well combined to create the braising sauce. Set aside.
Step 5
Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the prepared tofu pieces in the hot oil and pan-fry them until they are golden brown and firm on both sides. Frying the tofu beforehand helps it hold its shape during braising.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to layer the ingredients for braising. Start by placing the pan-fried tofu at the bottom of the pan. Then, arrange the sliced king oyster mushrooms and onions over the tofu. Pour about half of the prepared braising sauce evenly over this layer. Repeat the layering with mushrooms, onions, and tofu, and pour the remaining sauce on top. Finally, sprinkle the minced green onion evenly over everything.
Step 7
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Be careful not to use high heat, which can burn the sauce or stick the ingredients to the pan.
Step 8
After 5 minutes, remove the lid. Increase the heat slightly to medium-low and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. Gently stir the ingredients with a spatula to ensure the sauce evenly coats the tofu and mushrooms, allowing it to thicken and deepen in flavor.
Step 9
Once the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency and the flavors have thoroughly infused into the ingredients, your delicious King Oyster Mushroom and Tofu Braise is ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
