Vegan Hakka-Style Stuffed Tofu

Step 1

Soak dried mushrooms in boiling hot water for at least 15 minutes. Best left to rehydrate overnight.

Step 2

Press tofu for at least 10 minutes to drain excess liquid. Slice each block of tofu into 4 two-inch cubes.

Step 3

Carefully mark the tofu using a butter knife. Cut the sides, leaving at least a 1/2-inch border, and then remove the core of the tofu.

Step 4

You can do this by careful scooping it out using the teaspoon. Repeat for the rest of the tofu. Place the removed tofu cores in a bowl. Do not discard. Mash the tofu.

Step 5

Heat a pan with some oil. Once hot, add in the garlic and onion. Saute until tender. Add in the mushrooms and carrots. Leave to cook for 3-4 minutes. Add in the mashed tofu (tofu removed from the core).

Step 6

Season with some soy sauce and pepper. Mix well. Leave to cook for 6-7 minutes over medium high heat, mixing every minute or so, until the tofu resembles minced meat.

Step 7

Feel free to adjust seasoning depending on desired taste. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and mix well until the tofu filling starts to thicken and clump together. This will make the mixture firmer and will hold together better once stuffed in the tofu.

Step 8

Scoop around 2-3 teaspoons of the filling into the tofu. Carefully press down with your finger, while also supporting the sides of the tofu. Ensure that the filling is packed tight. Repeat for the rest of the tofu.

Step 9

Heat a pan with enough oil to submerge at least 1/3 of the tofu. Once hot, place the tofu filling down first. Leave to cook for 3-4 minutes over high heat, until golden brown.Flip the tofu and cook the remaining sides until golden brown.Once cooked on each side, set aside in a bowl.

Step 10

Note: You can opt to deep fry the tofu to speed up the process.

Step 11

Remove oil from the frying pan. Over medium low heat, add in the the water, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Turn up heat to medium and leave to a boil. While waiting for the sauce to boil, mix together the cornstarch and water until you have a slurry.

Step 12

Leave the sauce to simmer over medium heat. While stirring, pour in the cornstarch slurry. Keep stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened. Lower the heat to medium. Season with salt, to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your desired taste. Turn off the heat.

Step 13

Pour sauce over the tofu. Garnish with some chopped green onions and add some chili garlic sauce, if desired. Enjoy while hot with some rice or noodles!