16 ounces extra firm tofu, drained
soy sauce
1 cup (about 1 ounce) dried, sliced shiitake mushrooms
1 1/2 cup boiling water
1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh finely minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
3 tablespoons fermented black beans*
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1/4 teaspoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
3 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Preheat oven to 425F. Cut the block of tofu in half lengthwise and then slice
each half into approximately 8 slices about 1/2-inch thick. Brush each slice
with soy sauce on both sides and place on a baking sheet. Bake until light
brown, about 15 minutes, and then turn over and cook for another 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and set aside.
While the tofu is baking, pour the hot water over the sliced shiitake mushrooms.
(If you don't have sliced mushrooms, use whole ones and slice after rehydrating.)
Allow them to soak until soft. Leave the mushrooms in the soaking liquid
and set aside until needed.
Spray a wok or large non-stick skillet with a little canola oil and place over
medium-high heat. Add the garlic, black beans, and red pepper, and stir-fry for
about 1 minute. (*See note below.) Add the red pepper strips and cook for
another minute. Stir in the mushrooms, along with their soaking liquid, and add
the tofu and soy sauce. Let simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the tofu to
absorb the flavors. Then stir in the corn starch mixture and stir until
thickened. Add the sliced green onions and sesame oil and serve immediately over
rice. Makes 4 servings.
*I used black beans that were packed in oil and pressed them lightly to remove
as much of the oil as possible. If you are using the type of fermented black
beans that are packed dry, you may want to lightly crush them before adding them
to the skillet. Also, adding a little water or oil to the skillet will make
stir-frying them with the garlic easier.