February 17, 2016

Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu

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Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy with

Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu

Bok Choy, Shiitake and Tofu

February 17: National Cabbage Day

During Lent, we prefer a good stir-fry over a fish fry. Stir-fried baby bok choy, shiitake mushrooms and tofu is one of our favorite meatless Friday dishes to eat with a simple bowl of steamed rice. This healthy and hearty dish features a popular variety of Chinese cabbage (bok choy)—a green vegetable option that is considered auspicious especially in the lunar new year—as well as “meaty” mushrooms and protein-packed tofu in a tasty sauce. Savor this simple stir-fried dish during Lent Fridays, lunar new year celebrations and National Cabbage Day.

Recipe

(Adapted from Vegetarian Times)

For the mixture

  • 1 pound baby bok choy
  • 1 cup dried shiitake mushrooms
  • 1 package (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes (may substitute for fried bean curd puff squares, room temperature)

For the stir-fry sauce (slurry)

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon water (or liquid from the soaked shiitake mushrooms)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil, divided use

Directions

Wash and dry the baby bok choy. Chop off an inch from the bottom stem (reserve “rosettes” for optional garnish). Slice leaves into 2-inch pieces. In a shallow bowl, soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in hot water for 30 minutes or until softened. Squeeze out excess water. Slice into strips. In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of canola or vegetable oil in medium-high heat and gently stir-fry the tofu until lightly browned (do not fry the bean curd puffs if using). Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Bok Choy, Shiitake and Tofu

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and stir-fry the mushrooms for 2 minutes or until softened. Transfer to the tofu plate. Add the last tablespoon of oil to the skillet and stir-fry the baby bok choy for a minute. Return the tofu and mushrooms to the skillet and mix with the baby bok choy.

Bok Choy, Shiitake and Tofu

In a small bowl or measuring cup, make a slurry with the cornstarch, water (or mushroom liquid), soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic and sesame oil. Pour it into the skillet and mix well until slightly thickened, coating the tofu, mushrooms and baby bok choy well. Transfer to a serving platter immediately and garnish with the baby bok choy “rosettes”. Serve hot.

Bok Choy, Shiitake and Tofu

Notes

  • We prefer rehydrated shiitake mushrooms over the fresh ones as the dried shiitake have a stronger flavor.
 

February 17, 2015

Sesame Choy Sum

Posted by HI Cookery under 02 February | Tags: , , , |
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Sesame Choy Sum

Sesame Choy Sum

February 17: National Cabbage Day

We always made plans to celebrate the Asian lunar new year with our friend Phyllis S., a Chinese-American and fellow expatriate local from Hawaii, and her family when we lived in South Texas. Since we have moved, we still try to observe the cultural holiday, as Islander has Chinese relatives as well. Phyllis introduced us to Sesame Choy Sum, a simple yet symbolic side dish with a salty-sweet sauce that is poured over quickly cooked “Chinese flowering cabbage”. Traditionally, the vegetable represents health and its green color symbolizes money/wealth. So cook up some Sesame Choy Sum on National Cabbage Day or during the Asian lunar new year for health and wealth!

Recipe

From Phyllis S.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch fresh choy sum
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (we used Aloha Shoyu brand)
  • ½ tablespoon sesame seeds

 Directions

Wash the choy sum and trim the bottom. In a large pot, boil some water. Add the choy sum and cook for 3-4 minutes. Remove from the stovetop and drain well. Let cool for about 5-10 minutes. Run cool water over the choy sum and squeeze out excess water. Place the choy sum on a platter.

Sesame Choy Sum

In a measuring cup, combine the oyster sauce, sesame oil and soy sauce. Mix well and let stand for 10 minutes. Drizzle over the choy sum. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top. May be served hot or cold.

Sesame Choy Sum

Notes

  • Phyllis likes to cut the choy sum in half and boil the stems for a minute or two before adding the leaves to the pot, as the stems are thicker and take longer to cook.
  • Search our blog for other recipes containing cabbage as an ingredient.
  • Kung Hei Fat Happy (Lunar) New Year!