Mushroom and Tofu Stir Fry

I just came home from a trip where I was visiting my Mother. I brought her lots of take out Chinese food which I mostly couldn't eat as the dishes were not Gluten Free. One of the dishes I craved the most was a simple stir fry of Tofu and Shitake Mushrooms. So as soon as I came home, I went to buy some pressed Tofu and cooked it with three different kinds of mushrooms. Tofu is really a wonderful high protein food that takes on the flavor of the sauce. I always say that people who don't like it just haven't had it cooked right.  When you make it the Chinese way, it is full of flavor!  For this dish, I used fresh Button Mushrooms, Dried Shitake Mushrooms and dried Mu'er or Wood Ear Mushrooms reconstituted. Combined in a stir fry with some Green Onion slivers, Garlic, Oyster Sauce and a splash of Tamari, it was the centerpiece of a delicious meatless meal! 

Mushroom and Tofu Stir Fry

4 oz pressed Tofu

3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil (I used Safflower)

2 cloves of Garlic, minced

8 - 10 Button Mushrooms, washed, stem trimmed and sliced

8 dried Shitake Mushrooms, rehyrdrated in boiling water (save about 1/4 cup for the sauce)

1/2 cup Mu'er - Dried Black Fungus or Wood Ear Mushrooms, rehydrated in boiling water

3 - 4 Green Onions, ends trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces and shredded lengthwise

1 Tablespoon Oyster Sauce (I used Lee Kum Kee Gluten Free)

1 teaspoon Tamari

Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add in the Tofu and cook until it is hot and starting to brown slightly. Add in the Garlic and the Mushrooms. Cook until the Button Mushrooms are soft. Then add in the Green Onion, stir a few times and then add in the Shitake Water, Oyster Sauce and Tamari. Cook, stirring often until it is bubbling hot and the sauce has thickened slightly. Serve with Rice.

Five Element Analysis

Tofu belongs to the Metal Element because it is a White food, but it also has aspects of Water because it is made from Soybeans. The Oyster Sauce and the Tamari and the Shitake and Mu'er add even more Water, although the last two being Mushrooms, also add in the Earth Element along with the Button Mushrooms . The Garlic and Green Onions contribute the Metal Element along with the Rice you must serve with this dish. The Wood and Fire Elements are missing so be sure to serve it with a Green Vegetable for the Wood Element and serve Tea and Hot Chili Sauce to bring in the Fire Element to create a balanced Five Element meal.