Tofu and mushrooms with bean sprouts and spinach

I like vegetables but I’m not really a raw vegetable salad person. And I like more than greens in my vegetable dishes. I like colors and textures and an interplay of shapes and sizes. This tofu and mushrooms with bean sprouts and spinach satisfies all those requirements. 

Spinach and mung been sprouts take very little time to cook. Take care not to overcook them so that they don’t turn mushy.

I used sliced white button mushrooms but, if you have some, shiitake would be an even better choice. If using dried mushrooms, rehydrate before adding to the pan (see how to cook with dried mushrooms).

Tofu and mushrooms with bean sprouts and spinach

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Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Connie Veneracion

Ingredients

• 300 grams block of firm tofu cut into half-inch cubes
• 200 grams mung bean sprouts rinsed and drained
• 200 grams spinach rinsed, drained and roughly chopped
• 150 grams mushrooms sliced
• 4 cloves garlic peeled and minced
• 1 onion peeled and sliced
• 1 thumb-sized piece ginger julienned
• 2 cups cooking oil for deep frying
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce for strict vegetarians, there are vegetarian oyster sauces
• salt
• pepper
• sesame seed oil

Instructions

• Heat the cooking oil. When smoking, add the tofu cubes and fry until golden (see tips to prevent tofu from sticking to pan).
• Scoop out the tofu and drain on paper towels. Pour off the cooking oil until only about two tablespoonfuls remain.
• 
• Reheat the oil. Add the ginger, garlic and onion and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms. Stir fry for 30 seconds.
• 
• Add the spinach.
• 
• And the mung bean sprouts. Stiry fry just until the vegetables lose volume, about one minute.
• 
• Season with salt and pepper. Pour in the oyster sauce.
• 
• Add the fried tofu. Stir fry for another 30 seconds or just until the tofu cubes are heated through and the seasonings are well-distributed. Turn off the heat, drizzle with a little sesame seed oil and serve at once.

Notes

To make sure that the vegetables do not turn soggy, use tongs to transfer the stir fried dish to individual plates or bowls, leaving the liquid behind. Do not throw away the very flavorful liquid. Strain, cool and set aside. You can reduce it and serve as dipping sauce.