Tofu Sticks with Pork and Vegetables

Name: Tofu Sticks with Pork and Vegetables
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 200g, thinly sliced pork loin; 100g dried tofu sticks; 30g dried wood ear mushrooms; 1 medium, sliced green bell pepper; 3, minced garlic cloves; 1 inch, minced ginger; 3, chopped scallions; 1 tablespoon dried chili flakes; 2 tablespoons light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cooking wine; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon cornstarch

A hearty Chinese stir-fry featuring tender pork slices paired with silky tofu sticks, crisp vegetables, and a savory-spicy sauce. This home-style dish comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

35 min

Medium

0 favorites

Story

Tofu sticks (fu zhu) are a beloved ingredient in Chinese cooking—thin sheets of soybean milk skin that become wonderfully chewy when braised. This dish balances their soft texture with crisp vegetables and savory pork.

Ingredients

pork loin 200g, thinly sliced

dried tofu sticks 100g

dried wood ear mushrooms 30g

green bell pepper 1 medium, sliced

garlic cloves 3, minced

ginger 1 inch, minced

scallions 3, chopped

dried chili flakes 1 tablespoon

light soy sauce 2 tablespoons

dark soy sauce 1 tablespoon

cooking wine 1 tablespoon

sesame oil 1 teaspoon

vegetable oil 2 tablespoons

cornstarch 1 teaspoon

Instructions

Soak and prep ingredients

Place dried tofu sticks and wood ear mushrooms in separate bowls. Cover with warm water and let soak for about 20 minutes until softened. Drain and rinse well. Cut tofu sticks into 2-inch pieces; tear wood ear mushrooms into smaller pieces. Slice the pork thinly and toss with a pinch of cornstarch and a splash of light soy sauce.

Prepare the sauce

In a small bowl, combine light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cooking wine, and a splash of water. Set this mixture aside—you'll add it to the pan during cooking to create the sauce.

Stir-fry the pork

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated pork slices and spread them out in a single layer. Let them sear for about 30 seconds before stirring. Cook until the pork is just barely pink, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Build the flavors

Add a little more oil to the wok if needed. Toss in the dried chili flakes, minced ginger, and garlic. Stir for about 15 seconds until fragrant—don't let the garlic burn. Add the wood ear mushrooms and tofu sticks; stir-fry together for 2 minutes to let them absorb the flavors.

Combine and finish

Return the pork to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and give everything a good toss. Add the sliced bell pepper and half the scallions. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything. Drizzle with sesame oil, sprinkle remaining scallions, and serve hot over steamed rice.