Shiitake Mushroom and Tofu Salad: A Healthy and Delicious Delight
Diet Tofu Dish, Shiitake Tofu Salad, Shiitake Mushroom Recipe, Diet Salad, Shiitake Mushroom Dish, Healthy Meal
We’ve created a delightful shiitake mushroom and tofu salad, perfect for a healthy diet! While designed for weight management, this dish also serves beautifully as a side dish or a light appetizer for drinks. Its simplicity and delightful flavors make it incredibly versatile.
Salad Ingredients
- 1/2 block firm tofu (approx. 150g)
- 3 shiitake mushrooms
- 10 cloves garlic
- 1 red chili pepper
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of black pepper
Peanut Salad Dressing
- A handful of peanuts (or 2 Tbsp chopped peanuts/peanut butter)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1.5 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- Pinch of salt
- A handful of peanuts (or 2 Tbsp chopped peanuts/peanut butter)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1.5 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your salad ingredients: firm tofu, aromatic shiitake mushrooms, whole garlic cloves, and a vibrant red chili pepper for color. For milder heat, you can remove the seeds from the chili pepper.
Step 2
Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 cm thick. Place the cut tofu on paper towels and gently press to absorb excess moisture. This step helps achieve a crispier texture when pan-frying and prevents oil splattering.
Step 3
Slice the shiitake mushrooms thinly after removing the tough stems. Slice the garlic cloves thinly (or mince them if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor). Garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor, so don’t skip it!
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the delicious peanut dressing. In a bowl, combine the chopped peanuts (or peanut butter), sesame seeds, olive oil, plum extract, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, cooking wine, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until well combined. Using peanut butter will result in a richer, creamier dressing.
Step 5
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the prepared tofu and pan-fry until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Warm, slightly crispy tofu will complement the salad beautifully.
Step 6
In the same pan (you can add a little more oil if needed), add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and garlic. Sauté until they are golden brown and tender. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma as the mushrooms release their earthy notes and the garlic becomes fragrant. The vegetables will also develop a subtle sweetness as they cook.
Step 7
Arrange the pan-fried tofu, sautéed shiitake mushrooms, and garlic on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the prepared peanut dressing to your liking. If you’ve sliced the red chili pepper, sprinkle it over the top for a pop of color. Your healthy and flavorful Shiitake Mushroom and Tofu Salad is now ready to be enjoyed!
