Best Easy Buddhist Delight Recipe

A medley of tofu, mushrooms, glass noodles, and assorted vegetables is braised in a savory vegetarian sauce. This traditional vegetarian family dish is protein-rich, healthy, and served during Chinese New Year and Buddhist celebrations.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 210 kcal
#vegetarian #protein-rich #chinese new year #healthy
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • firm tofu 14 oz
  • dried shiitake mushrooms 8 pieces
  • mung bean glass noodles 2 oz
  • Napa cabbage leaves 3 cups
  • carrot 1 medium
  • bok choy 2 cups
  • bamboo shoots 0.5 cup
  • wood ear mushrooms 0.5 cup
  • snow peas 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • soy sauce 3 tbsp
  • oyster mushroom sauce (vegetarian) 2 tbsp
  • sesame oil 1 tbsp
  • ginger, sliced 1 tbsp
  • garlic, minced 2 cloves
  • sugar 1 tsp
  • white pepper 0.25 tsp
  • vegetable broth 1 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 28 g 53%
Protein 11 g 21%
Fat 6 g 26%
Serving size 300g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rehydrate dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 30 minutes, then slice; soak glass noodles in hot water until softened, drain, and cut into short lengths.

  2. 2

    Drain and press firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.

  3. 3

    Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat; add sliced ginger and garlic, sauté until aromatic but not browned.

  4. 4

    Add tofu cubes and stir-fry gently until lightly golden on the edges, about 3 minutes, ensuring not to break the tofu.

  5. 5

    Add all mushrooms, napa cabbage, carrot, bok choy, bamboo shoots, snow peas, and wood ear mushrooms in sequence, stir-frying each for 1 minute to wilt the vegetables slightly.

  6. 6

    Pour in vegetable broth, soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Braise for 10 minutes so flavors meld.

  7. 7

    Add softened glass noodles to the wok, toss gently, and braise uncovered for 3-5 more minutes until the sauce thickens and is mostly absorbed.

  8. 8

    Taste and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or white pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra sautéed mushrooms if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredients that define Buddhist Delight's texture and flavor are firm tofu for protein and structure, shiitake mushrooms for umami depth, and an array of vegetables like napa cabbage and bok choy. Vegetarian oyster mushroom sauce and soy sauce bind these together with savory richness.
Q. Is there a critical cooking step for perfect results?
Yes, braising all ingredients together after the initial stir-fry is crucial. Covering and simmering gently allows flavors to meld and prevents the vegetables from overcooking, while adding glass noodles at the final stage ensures they absorb the savory sauce without becoming mushy.
Q. How can I avoid soggy or broken tofu?
Drain and press the tofu well before cubing, then handle gently when stir-frying. Using medium-high heat and waiting for a golden crust before moving the tofu helps retain its texture and prevents it from falling apart in the sauce.
Q. How many calories does each serving contain?
Each 300g serving of this Buddhist Delight contains about 210 kcal. The dish is balanced, offering 11g protein (21% of calories), 28g carbohydrates (53%), and 6g fat (26%), making it a hearty and nutrient-rich vegetarian option.
AI 채팅 아이콘