Tofu and Shiitake in Black Bean

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €8.70 · €2.18/serving

• 18 dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated in warm water and sliced (save the soaking liquid for extra flavor)Est. price €2.70–€5.40
• 3 cups freshly boiled water (use a kettle for quick boiling)Est. price €0.00–€0.01
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of cold water (ensure no lumps for a smooth sauce)Est. price €0.08–€0.20
• 1 cup homemade vegetable broth (-bought is fine too)Est. price €0.15–€0.40
• 2 tablespoons premium soy sauceEst. price €0.20–€0.60
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned)Est. price €0.15–€0.45
• 1 1/2 teaspoons organic cane sugarEst. price €0.05–€0.15
• 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink saltEst. price €0.02–€0.08
• 3 tablespoons cold-pressed peanut oil (for stir-frying)Est. price €0.30–€0.75
• 1 small leek, only the white and light green parts, julienned (slice thinly for quick cooking)Est. price €0.50–€1.20

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by placing the mushrooms in a large bowl. Pour 3 cups of boiling water over them and allow the mushrooms to soak until they soften, which should take at least 25 minutes but can be done for up to 4 hours if needed. After soaking, drain the mushrooms and remove the stems, discarding them. Proceed by finely chopping the mushroom caps before use.

2. 2

   Begin by dissolving cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth in a 2-cup measuring cup. Next, add the rest of the broth, along with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.

3. 3

   Begin by heating oil in a sturdy large wok or nonstick skillet over high heat until it reaches a very high temperature. Introduce the mushrooms and stir-fry them until they develop a nice brown color, which should take approximately 3 minutes. Next, add the leek to the wok and continue stir-frying until it starts to brown, which usually takes about 1 minute. Now, incorporate the black beans, ginger, garlic, chili-garlic sauce, and peppercorns into the mix and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Take the cornstarch mixture and give it a good stir before adding it to the vegetable blend. Add tofu into the wok and gently toss everything together to ensure that the sauce coats all ingredients evenly. Lower the heat to low setting, cover with lid, and let it simmer until the sauce slightly thickens; this process typically takes around 4 minutes.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Tofu and shiitake mushrooms are staple ingredients in East Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Japanese dishes. The use of fermented black beans and Szechuan peppercorns adds depth of flavor and authenticity to this traditional recipe. The combination of umami-rich ingredients reflects the influence of Chinese…

• Seasonal note

  This dish can be enjoyed year-round as most ingredients like tofu, shiitake mushrooms, leeks, and ginger are generally available in supermarkets. However, fresh cilantro may be more abundant during the spring and summer months.

• Health note

  Tofu and shiitake mushrooms are excellent sources of plant-based protein and essential nutrients. This dish is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it heart-healthy. The high fiber content aids in digestion, while the vitamins A and C provide immune support.