Mu Shu Tofu

Tofu,   now to some people it's a treat and to others it's still a 'tasteless mystery' but in our house it's different 

every time I cook with it.  It  is so versatile and and can take on any herb, spice or sauce you choose to dress it up with.  Rick my youngest son worked  at the Green Cuisine Tofu Factory -  in Victoria for a few years   and  explained the process of making tofu from the soaking and pressing of the  soy bean, to the end result.  Tofu block, tempeh, smoked tofu and a few more products.  So Rick was able to  purchase freshly  made  soy products and this gave me reason to experiment with flavors and recipes. Our family loves Asian flavors and this newest dish  I believe will also become a favorite. It is quick and easy and uses simple ingredients - I was  pleased to be able to use some of the cabbages I had just picked off  my garden.  Yes, in January I am picking cabbage (mind you we had a mild frost) but it is so so sweet and juicy.

MU SHU TOFU

 The ingredients you will need (we love fresh bean sprouts)

here I am making a double batch so the boys will have 

leftovers for their lunches.

Pressed, sliced and browned tofu.....

 Cook the mixed egg on one side then flip to brown and 

 cook the other side, set aside and slice into strips

 In the same pan add a  bit more oil and saute mushrooms and garlic.

Add the fresh bean sprouts (I like to blanche the sprouts) by  putting them in a sieve  

(you should have rinsed them in one anyways ) then pour boiling water

directly over the  sprouts - the water will run right through

 Drain well and add to mushroom/garlic mixture

Add the shredded cabbage and toss together, pour sauce

mixture over top and toss  - add  back the tofu and sliced egg

Cook for about 1-2 minutes and serve

Topping with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions  is a 

good thing too!

I served ours with steamed snow peas and basmati rice.

Mmmmm......so good.

MU SHU TOFU RECIPE

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

2 tsp cornstarch

3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided

12 ounces tofu

2 eggs

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 cup bean sprouts

1 small head of Napa cabbage, julienned/shredded (about 2 cups)

10 shitake mushrooms, stems removed, cut into thin strips

Whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, and corn starch and set aside.

Cut the block of tofu in half horizontally. Press between clean towels to remove excess moisture. Cut into thin 1″ strips.

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan. Add the tofu and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until tofu is golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Whisk the two eggs together, and heat another tablespoon of oil. When it’s hot, add the eggs and swirl the pan to make a thin sheet. When just set, flip to cook the other side. Remove to cool, then cut into thin strips.

Heat the last tablespoon of oil, and add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring, for about a minute, then add the garlic. Cook another minute or two, then add the bean sprouts, cabbage, and sauce. Stir well, then gently stir in the tofu and egg. Cook for about a minute, then remove from heat and serve.

 Feel free to add your favorite vegetables once you've tasted the original.

Enjoy!