Eight-Treasure Stir-Fry

In a cup, pour the 1 tablespoon of boiling water over the tea; let steep for 5 minutes. Strain the tea, reserving the leaves.

In a small, heatproof bowl, soak the wood ears in the remaining 1/2 cup of boiling water until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain well. Cut off any hard bits; slice the wood ears into thin strips.

Set a wok or large skillet over high heat for 3 minutes. Add the oil and when it begins to smoke, add the shiitake mushrooms and chile and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until the chile is browned, about 2 minutes. Add the scallions and apple and stir-fry until the apple is almost tender, about 2 minutes. Add the wood ears and straw mushrooms and stir-fry until sizzling, about 2 minutes. Add the tofu and the tea leaves and stir gently until sizzling, about 2 minutes longer. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Fold in the bean sprouts. Mound the vegetables on small plates and serve.