Tofu Stir-Fry With Mushrooms
Bon Appétit
by Claire SaffitzFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Tofu stir-fry with mushrooms is a simple yet flavorful dish that has become a go-to meal for home cooks seeking quick, adaptable, and satisfying weeknight dinners. The recipe leverages crisper-edged tofu cubes, caramelized mushrooms, scallions, and ginger in a rich soy-based sauce, making it both pantry-friendly and endlessly customizable. Readers praise the dish as an "easy staple" and a clever way to use up leftover tofu, often raving about its versatility and how well it holds up as leftovers—many even admit to finishing entire batches in one sitting.
The success of this stir-fry lies in its adaptability: it can be riffed with various vegetables like bok choy, zucchini, snap peas, or red bell pepper. The dish is also served over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles, ensuring every drop of sauce is captured. Tips for enhancing the dish include pressing tofu to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy crust when cooked; caramelizing mushrooms deeply for extra flavor; and using the right pan—nonstick skillets or well-seasoned cast-iron pans work best. The key is to allow the tofu and mushrooms to brown undisturbed, as bold browning enhances both texture and taste.
What makes this recipe particularly valuable is its emphasis on technique. Pressing tofu before cooking ensures it browns nicely, while letting the pan get hot enough prevents sticking. Swapping out ingredients like rice vinegar for black vinegar or using Shaoxing wine adds complexity to the sauce, making each batch feel fresh and unique. This dish not only satisfies cravings for savory, umami-rich flavors but also serves as a blank canvas for experimenting with different vegetables and cooking methods.
For those seeking quick, flavorful meals that double as plant-based options, tofu stir-fry is a winning choice. Its adaptability makes it ideal for meal planning, whether you're prepping for the week or looking to use up odds and ends in the fridge. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish proves that simple cooking can yield big results—perfect for anyone aiming to streamline their kitchen routine while enjoying
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Originally published on Bon Appétit on 2/24/2026