Savory Wood Ear and Tofu Stir-Fry

1. Rehydrate Wood Ear Mushrooms

Place the dried wood ear mushrooms in a medium bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for about 2 hours until they are plump and tender. After soaking, rinse the mushrooms thoroughly, drain them well, and cut them into bite-size pieces.

2. Prepare Tofu

While the mushrooms are soaking, take your firm tofu and cut it into ½-inch-thick rectangles, then slice those rectangles into triangles.

3. Prepare Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of water, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce, ½ teaspoon of sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

4. Pan-Fry Tofu

Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of neutral oil. Swirl the oil around to coat the wok evenly. Once the oil is hot and slightly smoking, carefully add the tofu triangles. Cook them for about 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the tofu to a plate and set aside.

5. Cook Aromatics and Vegetables

Add an additional tablespoon of oil to the wok, still over medium-high heat. Toss in the ginger slices and star anise, and let them cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Add the white parts of the scallions and the minced garlic, cooking for another 20-30 seconds while stirring constantly to prevent burning. Then, add the prepared mushrooms and bell peppers, stir-frying everything together for about a minute.

6. Deglaze and Combine

To deglaze the wok, add 1 tablespoon of water and 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine, stirring to combine. Increase the heat to high, then re-stir your sauce mixture and pour it into the wok. Let the sauce simmer for a minute, thickening until it coats the back of a spoon. If it becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water to adjust the consistency. Finally, add the tofu back to the wok along with the green parts of the scallions, stirring gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.

7. Serve

Serve your savory wood ear and tofu stir-fry hot. Enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and flavors in this delightful dish.