Braised Tofu with Mushrooms

Ingredients

• firm tofu — 400 g (1 block), sliced
• shiitake mushrooms — 8 pieces (fresh or soaked dried), sliced
• scallions — 2 stalks, chopped
• soy sauce — 1.5 tbsp
• oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce) — 1 tbsp
• sugar — 1/2 tsp
• cornstarch — 1 tsp mixed with 2 tbsp water
• cooking oil — 2 tbsp

Steps (beginner-friendly)

1. Slice the tofu 1 cm thick; pat dry with paper towels. Slice the mushrooms.
2. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a frying pan over medium heat and pan-fry the tofu 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Leave it in the pan.
3. Push the tofu aside, add mushrooms, and stir-fry 2 minutes until they soften and release moisture.
4. Mix 1.5 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1/2 tsp sugar, and 1/2 cup water in a small bowl, then pour over everything.
5. Simmer on medium heat for 5 minutes uncovered, until the sauce reduces by about half.
6. Stir the cornstarch slurry once more and pour it in; gently toss 30 seconds until the sauce turns glossy and coats the tofu.
7. Turn off the heat, scatter scallions on top, and serve.