Fried Tofu with Mushroom Gravy

• FAST
• HEALTHY

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil
2. 12 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded and caps thinly sliced
3. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
4. 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
5. 1 small onion, finely chopped
6. 2 tablespoons dry white wine
7. 1/4 cup oyster sauce
8. 1 teaspoon cornstarch
9. 1/4 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
10. Freshly ground pepper
11. 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
12. 1 1/2 pounds soft tofu, cut crosswise into 12 slices

1. In a large nonreactive skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the peanut oil over high heat. Add the mushrooms in an even layer and cook, turning once, until browned, about 3 minutes on each side. Add 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce, toss to coat and cook for 2 minutes longer. Transfer the mushrooms to a plate.
2. Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon peanut oil to the skillet. Add the garlic slices in an even layer and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Increase the heat to moderate, add the onion and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen the browned bits. Add the oyster sauce and the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce and bring to a simmer.
4. Meanwhile, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 cup of water and stir it into the sauce in the skillet. Return the mushrooms to the skillet and simmer the sauce until thickened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the sesame oil and season with pepper. Remove from the heat.
5. In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over moderately high heat until it registers 360° on a deep-fry thermometer. Gently pat the tofu dry with paper towels and carefully lower 4 slices into the hot oil. Stand back—the oil may spatter. Fry the tofu until golden brown, gently scraping it off the bottom of the pan with a slotted spatula if it seems to be sticking, about 4 minutes. Using the spatula, transfer the tofu to a baking sheet. Pat it with paper towels to remove excess oil, and keep warm in a low oven. Repeat the procedure with the remaining tofu slices.
6. Rewarm the mushroom gravy over moderately high heat, stirring. Pour the gravy onto a platter, arrange the tofu slices on top and serve at once.