Savory Pressed Tofu and Wood Ear Salad

Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure that brings a vibrant, refreshing dish straight from the heart of simple Asian home cooking to your table! This Pressed Tofu and Wood Ear Salad is a testament to how a few quality ingredients, combined with minimal effort, can create something truly spectacular. It’s a dish that perfectly balances textures and flavors, boasting a light yet satisfying profile with delightful hints of spice and tanginess. You’ll be amazed that something so incredibly delicious and visually appealing can be ready in a mere 10 minutes, making it an ideal option for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive appetizer. Its straightforward preparation means even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results with confidence. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this quick yet flavorful masterpiece! Here’s what you’ll need to assemble this refreshing salad. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Firstly, you’ll require about 3 slices of fresh pressed tofu (often called Dou Gan – this is a firm, flavorful tofu with a dense texture, often found vacuum-sealed in Asian markets; if you can’t find it, very firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed well to remove excess water, can be a good substitute, though the texture won’t be quite the same). Next, gather an appropriate amount of wood ear mushrooms. These unique fungi, known for their slightly chewy, gelatinous texture and subtle earthy flavor, are usually sold dried and need rehydrating. If dried wood ear mushrooms are hard to come by, try thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms or even cremini mushrooms for a different but still enjoyable texture. Finally, for a pop of freshness, prepare an appropriate amount of chopped cilantro and perhaps a few finely sliced scallions. For the tantalizing dressing, you’ll need: soy sauce (an appropriate amount, feel free…