Tofu is a delicious versatile staple of Chinese cuisine. In this recipe squares of tofu are marinated in a mix of sesame oil and soy sauce and then combined with flavorful shiitake and straw mushrooms. To make this recipe vegetarian, simply use a vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth. Try this delicious tofu mushroom stir fry and let me know what you think in the Chinese food forum found here. Enjoy!

1 pkg firm or extra firm tofu
10 fresh shiitake mushrooms
1 can straw mushrooms
1 tbsp peanut oil
2 tsp jarred pre chopped garlic

Marinade:
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil

Sauce:
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp cooking sherry
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
¼ tsp ground ginger
2 tsp cornstarch

1. Drain the tofu thoroughly and cut it into 1 inch cubes. Then place these cubes in a large bowl. Add the marinade and using your hand, slowly mix it in so that it is evenly distributed. Then let the tofu marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.


2. While the tofu marinates prepare the other ingredients. Clean the shiitake mushrooms by gently wiping them with a paper towel. Then remove all of the stems and cut the caps in half. Set these shiitakes aside.


3. Open and drain the can of straw mushrooms and set them aside.


4. In a large cup, mix together all of the ingredients for the sauce except for the cornstarch and then set this mixture aside.


5. In a small cup, mix the cornstarch with just a little water until it dissolves. Then set this mixture aside.


6. Heat a wok on high. Once hot add the peanut oil and let it get hot.


7. When the oil is hot, add the pre chopped garlic and stir fry it for about 30 seconds, or just until fragrant.


8. Then add the shiitake and straw mushrooms and stir fry them for 2 minutes.


9. Next, add the sauce and bring everything to a boil. Once it boils, turn the heat to low and let it simmer for just 1 minute.


10. After a minute, add the cornstarch mixture and stir continuously until the sauce slightly thickens.


11. Add the tofu and carefully stir until the pieces are coated with the sauce. Cook everything on low for another 2 minutes, or until the tofu is heated through.


12. Then remove it from the heat and serve. This is delicious served with either white or fried rice. Makes about 3 to 4 servings.