For today’s recipe, we are going to make fried tofu with thick mushroom sauce. Fried tofu, golden and crispy, is smothered in a rich, savoury mushroom sauce. Our dish combines crunchy textures with deep, umami flavours, making for a hearty and delicious meal you won’t soon forget. I cherish this Asian heritage recipe. It’s topped with a thick mushroom sauce and fried tofu. In every bite, traditional flavours are merged with memories of family time spent together.
You can make this plant-based fried tofu recipe if you are vegetarian or looking for protein-rich dishes. As a vegan option, it is easily adaptable as well. You can enjoy this thick mushroom sauce on fried tofu as a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or an enjoyable meal on its own.
This recipe features crispy tofu, savoury mushrooms, and tasty spices like garlic and ginger. In this rich sauce, soy sauce and sesame oil are combined for an added depth of flavour. Tofu and mushrooms in this dish offer substantial health benefits: tofu is high in protein and low in fat, while mushrooms provide fibre, vitamins, and minerals, which contribute to the nutritious and satisfying nature of this dish.
There’s nothing better than this quick, uncomplicated dish of fried tofu and mushroom sauce for busy people. It’s a convenient, fast meal that can be prepared with a non-stick skillet and pre-chopped vegetables. The mushrooms and crispy tofu give it a flavoursome umami flavour. In conjunction with the rich, thick sauce, the savoury aroma creates a mouthwatering, satisfying experience. You will find a step-by-step guide on making this recipe for tasty fried tofu with mushroom sauce.
Ingredients
- Deep-fried tofu: Halved or quartered
- Asian mushrooms: 4-5 cm (3⁄16-2 inches) long pieces (shiitake, king oyster, enoki, white pearl mushrooms)
- Carrot: 4-5 cm (3⁄16-2 inches) long batons
- Sesame oil: For frying (1 tablespoon)
For Thick Sauce
- Dashi stock: 200ml /Quantity as per preference
- Cooking sake: 1 tablespoon / Quantity as per preference
- Mirin: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: According to your taste
- Soy sauce: 1⅓ tablespoon
- Corn flour/cornstarch: Diluted in water (for thickening)
Instructions – Lets Start Preparation!
Preparing the Tofu
First, you have to prepare the tofu. You have to start by combining flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl (It will create a light, crispy coating). Now gently roll each tofu cube in flour mixture and ensure every side is evenly covered (this step is crucial for achieving the perfect golden-brown exterior when frying)
Fry the Tofu
After preparing of Tofu, you have to heat sesame oil or vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers (sign of oil ready for frying)
Now carefully add coated tofu cubes in batches, and fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning them (90 degrees) occasionally until Tofu achieves a beautiful golden-brown colour on all sides. Once done, you have to remove the Tofu from the pan and place it on a plate on paper towels to drain any excess oil (it will keep it crispy and tasty)
Make the Mushroom Sauce
Without Sauce, this recipe is incomplete, so let’s make thick Mushroom sauce. For this, you have to heat sesame oil over medium heat in a saucepan and then add vegetables like minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 3 minutes). Now add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture, about 4 minutes (until mushrooms wilt).
Now stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar, mixing well to combine. Then add the cornstarch slurry to the pan (in a swirling motion) and stir continuously until the Sauce thickens. It will take about 2 minutes. After that, you can also pour in the vegetable broth and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Combine and Serve the Tofu Dish
Now, go ahead and arrange the fried tofu on a serving plate. Then, pour that rich, thick mushroom sauce all over the top. You can garnish with some sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for the finishing touch.
Here are Some Recipe Notes
Temperature Control: Always ensure the oil is hot enough before you add tofu to it so it will crisp up nicely. You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of tofu into it—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
Sauce Consistency: Sometimes, mushroom sauce is too thick, so to thin it out, you can add a splash of vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Mushrooms: Many of you asked which type of mushrooms can be used for sauce. You can use any combination of mushrooms, such as Shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms. If you use Shiitake, it will add rich flavour, while cremini brings a meaty texture. Oyster-type mushrooms are good for sweet taste, so the choice is yours. If you use a mixed combination, then it will create a balanced and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy tofu. Also try this Teriyaki Tofu Recipe at home on weeked.
How to Serve Fried Tofu With Thick Mushroom Sauce?
I suggest serving Deep-Fried Tofu and yummy mushroom sauce over steamed jasmine rice or alongside a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables like snap peas or bok choy to add more colour and nutrition to your plate.
| Serving | 241g |
| Calories | 527 kcal |
| Fat | 38g (57%) |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8g (19%) |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.6g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 76mg (25%) |
| Protein | 36.4g |
| Vitamin A | 0mcg (0%) |
| Calcium | 35mg (3%) |
| Iron | 0.3mg (2%) |
| Potassium | 104mg (3%) |
| Sodium | 788mg (33%) |
| Carbohydrates | 8.9g (3%) |
| Dietary Fibre | 4.6g (18%) |
| Sugar | 0.1g |
Allergen Warnings:
- Soy: Present in tofu and soy sauce.
- Gluten: Present in all-purpose flour and soy sauce (unless gluten-free options are used).
In A Nutshell
To wrap things up, this fried tofu dish is enjoyable, blending crispy Tofu with a rich, savory sauce. If you have used an assortment of Mushrooms, you will relish the depth of flavor (incredibly satisfying). To impress guests, you can make this tofu dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal. You can garnish Tofu with Mushroom sauce, sesame seeds, and fresh green onions to balance textures and tastes. I hope you like this Tofu with delicious and fantastic mushroom sauce recipe so you love my recipe whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or trying it for the first time. Please share with friends.
FAQs
For refrigeration, I recommend storing any leftovers (fried tofu and mushroom sauce) in an airtight container. I recommend using a smart Sealock airtight container for this purpose. You can store it for 3 days, and then you can reheat the tofu in a hot pan to restore its crispiness before serving. The mushroom sauce can be reheated in a saucepan over low heat.
Yes, it’s a healthier alternative that still gives you crispy tofu. You must preheat your air fryer, place the tofu pieces in a single layer, and cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to always shake the basket halfway through.
Yeah! You can pan-fry the tofu instead of deep-frying it—it’s a great way to cut down on oil (very low cholesterol) while still keeping that crispy texture. When you dip pan-fried tofu into thick mushroom sauce, you will still enjoy a slightly lighter version of the dish.
I recommend placing the tofu between two paper towels; you can also use a clean kitchen cloth. Then, on top of the tofu, you have to set a heavy object so it will press out excess moisture. There are also tofu presses alternatively available in the market or on Amazon. I have a NOYA Adjustable Tofu Press at home, which I am using for this purpose.
