Buddhist Delight – Chinese

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, a dash of white pepper, a dash of garlic powder, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Add water or unsalted vegetable stock. Mix well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Cut the napa cabbage, separating the stalk from the leafy parts. Remove the strings from the snow peas. Cut the green bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Cut the soaked shiitake mushrooms into strips. Mince 1 clove of garlic.

Step 3: Prepare and Fry the Tofu

Use paper towels to pat the firm tofu dry. Press it gently to remove excess water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Cut the dried tofu into blocks or strips. In a pot or wok, heat enough vegetable oil for frying to 325°F (163°C). Carefully lower the tofu into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the tofu from the oil with a strainer and set it aside.

Step 4: Blanch the Broccoli

In a pot of boiling water, add the broccoli florets. Blanch for about 45 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from the water and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-fry the Vegetables

In a clean pan or wok, turn the heat to medium-high and add 2 tbsp of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the napa cabbage stalks and carrot, and stir-fry for about 15 seconds. Then, add the green pepper, shiitake mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts, and bamboo shoots. Continue to stir-fry for another 30 seconds.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

After 30 seconds, add the snow peas, napa cabbage leaves, and blanched broccoli to the wok. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds. Add the fried tofu and stir-fry for 15 seconds to combine. Give the brown sauce a final stir and pour it into the wok. Continue to stir-fry until all the vegetables and tofu are well-coated with the sauce and it has thickened slightly.

Step 7: Serve

Once everything is coated and heated through, immediately transfer the Buddhist Delight to a serving plate. Serve hot.

• The variety of vegetables can be adjusted based on seasonal availability and personal preference.

• Ensure the tofu is patted very dry before frying to prevent oil splattering and to achieve a crispier texture.

• Other ingredients like wood ear mushrooms, ginkgo nuts, or fried gluten puffs can be added for more texture and flavor.