Tofu with Shrimp, Ground Pork and Shiitake Mushroom in Oyster Sauce

Tofu with shrimp, ground pork and shiitake mushrooms in oyster sauce

This Chinese inspired dish is so delicious and healthy. Although, the main ingredient is Tofu, shiitake mushroom is my favorite in this dish. I like its texture, especially when it absorbed the sauce, it will just burst in flavor, in contrary to tofu which is bland.
Tofu, or bean curd, is usually square, creamy textured, bland and it is made from soybeans. It comes extra-soft, soft, firm, extra-firm, deep-fried or canned. Fresh bean curd, covered with water, can be kept in the refrigerator for approximately one week. Remove from the original package and replace with fresh water as soon as possible. Change the water every 2 days to keep fresh.
In this recipe, I used extra-firm tofu to avoid breaking when stirring while cooking. It can also be slightly fried to keep from smashing.  This dish is very simple and easy to cook. Ground pork can be substituted with ground beef, chicken or turkey, and shrimps are just a plus. However, it gives additional flavor to the dish.

Ingredients: 

• 4 squares Extra-Firm Tofu (washed, drained, cut into cubes)
• 1 cup Dried Whole Shiitake Mushrooms (soaked in water)
• 1/2 lb. Medium Size Shrimps (washed, shell removed)
• 1 lb. Ground Pork
• 1 cup Shrimp Broth (broth from boiled shrimps shells)
• 6 cloves Garlic (peeled and minced)
• 1 medium size Onion (peeled and sliced thinly)
• 4 tbsp. Oyster Sauce
• 1 tsp. Soy Sauce
• 1tbsp. Corn Starch (dissolve in 2 tbsp of water)
• 1 tbsp. White Sugar
• 1/4 tsp. Red Chili Pepper Flakes
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp. Canola Oil
• Chopped Green Onion

Let's Cook!

1. Over medium-high heat, heat a wok or pan and add 2 tbsp. canola oil.
2. Saute garlic and onion.
3. Add in ground pork, season with little bit of salt and pepper. Cook until light brown.
4. Put in shiitake mushrooms, oyster sauce and and soy sauce. Stir well.
5. Add shrimps and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Pour in shrimp broth and simmer for 3 minutes.
7. Put in tofu, mix carefully.
8. Pour in dissolved corn starch. Mix well.
9. Add sugar and chile flakes.
10. Adjust seasoning and remove from heat.
11. Serve in a medium size bowl with chopped green onion on top.
12. Enjoy!