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Vegetarian, East Asian

Braised tofu with mushrooms and rice

Braised tofu with mushrooms and rice is a vegetarian dish for 4 people, ready in 35 minutes, easy to make, for €2.10 per serving. The key is browning the tofu well before braising, so it holds its shape and soaks up the soy sauce without falling apart.

Tonight, golden tofu braised with mushrooms in a glossy soy sauce, a dish that warms you up with barely any effort.

Braised tofu with mushrooms and rice
Total time
35 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.10
Calories per person
500 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Fall, Summer

Tofu seared in a pan then braised turns firm on the outside and soft inside, nothing like the bland or mushy tofu some people expect. The two mushrooms, shiitake and button, each bring their own texture and flavor, one more earthy, the other milder, in a glossy, lightly sweet soy sauce that coats the whole dish.

This is a weeknight dish that needs little attention once the tofu is browned, perfect for an evening when you want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It also works well on a meat free Sunday with friends who enjoy East Asian flavors, though the raw garlic and ginger make it less obvious for younger palates.

The ingredients

4 people

Pantry

  • Firm tofu 400 g
  • Soy sauceoften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Sugaroften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Cornstarchoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Vegetable broth 20 cl
  • Neutral oiloften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Sesame oiloften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Riceoften in the pantry 300 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Shiitake mushrooms 200 g
  • Button mushrooms 200 g
  • Garlic 3 cloves
  • Fresh ginger 15 g
  • Scallions 3

Allergens Soy, Gluten, Sesame

The step by step recipe

  1. Cut the tofu into 3 cm cubes and pat it dry with a towel. Thinly slice the mushrooms, garlic, ginger, and scallions.

    Press the tofu under a weight for 10 minutes, it will brown better.

  2. Cook the rice in a pot of salted water, then drain it. 11 min

    Start it at the same time as the braising.

  3. Brown the tofu cubes in a pot with the oil on all sides, then set them aside. 8 min

    Only flip them once they release easily from the bottom of the pot.

  4. In the same pot, sauté the mushrooms, garlic, and ginger, then add the soy sauce, sugar, and broth. 5 min

    Let the mushrooms release their water before salting, this concentrates their flavor.

  5. Add the tofu back in, cover and let simmer, then thicken with the cornstarch diluted in a little water. Finish with the sesame oil and scallions, serve over the rice. 12 min

    Pour in the cornstarch off the heat while stirring, to avoid lumps.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick firm or extra firm tofu, silken tofu would fall apart completely during cooking.
  • Slice all the mushrooms and aromatics before you start browning the tofu, the braising moves fast once the pot is going.
  • If the sauce looks too thin after adding the tofu back in, let it simmer uncovered a few minutes before thickening it with the cornstarch.

The variations

  • Swap the shiitake for brown mushrooms or oyster mushrooms if you can't find them, the flavor will be a bit milder.
  • For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili paste at the same time as the soy sauce.
  • To save time, use pre cooked rice steamed for 2 minutes while the tofu simmers.

What to serve it with

  • A bowl of clear broth to start
  • Steamed vegetables, broccoli or bok choy
  • A light green tea

Storage

Braised tofu keeps for 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container, stored separately from the rice. It freezes well for up to 2 months, without the rice. Reheat it in a skillet or saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Questions about this dish

Can you use a different type of tofu?

Firm or extra firm tofu works best, since it holds its shape during cooking. Silken tofu will break apart in the pan and in the sauce.

Can you make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the braised tofu keeps for 2 to 3 days in the fridge and the flavor improves as it sits. Cook the rice fresh when you're ready to serve so it stays fluffy.

Can you freeze braised tofu with mushrooms?

Yes, freeze the tofu and its sauce without the rice, for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating gently.

How do you adapt this recipe for kids?

Cut back on the raw garlic and ginger, which can be sharp for younger palates, and serve the sauce on the side for those who prefer less of it on their rice.

How long does it take to make a braised tofu with mushrooms and rice?

Count 35 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a braised tofu with mushrooms and rice?

About 500 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a braised tofu with mushrooms and rice cost?

About €2.10 per serving, or €8.40 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains soy, gluten, sesame. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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