Chewy wheat gluten is braised with shiitake mushrooms in a rich soy sauce until deeply savory. This vegetarian, high protein family dish is a cornerstone of Chinese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.
Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes until softened, then squeeze out excess water and slice caps in halves.
Cut the wheat gluten into bite-sized pieces; gently squeeze to remove extra moisture if packed in liquid.
Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium heat. Add scallion pieces and ginger slices. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add sliced mushrooms and wheat gluten. Stir well for 2–3 minutes, ensuring the gluten absorbs the oil and aromatics.
Pour in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water. Mix thoroughly, bring to a boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and braise for 20 minutes, stirring 2–3 times to help even color and flavor absorption.
Remove the lid, increase heat to medium-high, and reduce the sauce for about 5 minutes until glossy and almost fully absorbed.
Turn off the heat. Drizzle with sesame oil and gently toss. Serve hot, garnished with additional scallion if desired.