Braised Tofu Skin with Mushrooms (Dōng Sī Páo Mó Gu)

A vegetarian-friendly dish full of umami. Tofu skin (腐竹, fǔ zhú), which has a wonderful ability to absorb flavors, is soaked until soft. It is then braised with various dried and fresh mushrooms (such as shiitake and oyster mushrooms) in a light, savory broth made from soy sauce and the soaking liquid from the mushrooms. The mushrooms provide a deep, earthy base flavor, while the tofu skin becomes tender and juicy, soaking up all the delicious broth. It’s a healthy, comforting, and flavorful dish that demonstrates how Lu cuisine creates satisfying meals from plant-based ingredients.