Seared Tofu with Bacon, Shiitakes & Chives Dinner Recipe

This dinner recipe pairs crispy tofu with bacon, shiitake mushrooms, and scallions to create a flavorful dish with a rich, smoky personality.

The addition of bacon adds a chewy texture and meaty flavor, but it can easily be made vegetarian by doubling the mushrooms and using smoked paprika.

Cook Time 20

Course Dinner

Cuisine Fusion

Servings

2 tablespoons peanut or safflower oil
1 package 14 to 16 ounces extra-firm tofu drained, patted dry, and sliced into ¾-inch-thick slabs
Fine sea salt to taste
4 ounces fresh shiitake mushroom caps thinly sliced (about 1½ cups)
3 ounces thick-cut bacon or pancetta cut into ¼-inch pieces
2 scallions: white and light green parts thinly sliced; dark green parts sliced and reserved for garnish
¼ cup chicken or vegetable stock
2½ teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons mirin
Rice vinegar to taste
Thinly sliced fresh chives for garnish

Heat the Skillet: Place a 12-inch skillet over high heat and let it heat thoroughly for about 5 minutes. Add the peanut or safflower oil and let it warm for around 30 seconds. Carefully place the tofu slices in the skillet and allow them to sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, until they develop a golden crust. Flip the tofu and repeat for another 2–3 minutes on the other side. If the pan smokes, it's a sign it's hot enough, so ensure proper ventilation. Once browned, transfer the tofu to a plate and season lightly with sea salt.
Cook the Mushrooms and Bacon: Add the shiitake mushrooms, bacon, and the white and light green parts of the scallions to the skillet. Stir occasionally as the mixture cooks, allowing the mushrooms to soften and turn golden and the bacon to crisp up. This process should take about 3–4 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the stock, soy sauce, and mirin, stirring everything together. Let the liquid cook down until it thickens slightly, which should take about 1 minute.
Reheat and Serve: If the tofu has cooled, push the mushroom and bacon mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the tofu back to the pan and let it warm through completely. To serve, place the tofu on plates and spoon the mushroom and bacon mixture over the top, along with the sauce from the skillet. Finish with a splash of rice vinegar to taste, and garnish with fresh chives and the dark green scallion slices for added color and flavor.

Pair this dish with steamed rice or Winter Vegetable Salad with Kale, Cabbage, and Thai Lime Dressing for a complete meal.
To make the tofu extra crispy, press it for 15 minutes before cooking to remove excess water.

Keyword dinner recipe, easy tofu recipes, Quick tofu dinner ideas, savory tofu dishes, seared tofu recipe, shiitake mushroom recipes, tofu with bacon

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