EASY BUDDHA'S DELIGHT 'LUO HAN JAI' | OIL-FREE 去油罗汉斋

Introduce the dish as a vegetarian option for Lunar New Year.

Mention the importance of not killing animals on the first day of the New Year.

Show the ingredients: tofu puffs, various vegetables, dried shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, yuba skins, carrots, baby corn, and fermented red bean curd.

Explain that wood ear mushrooms can be rehydrated with water and suggest alternatives if unavailable.

Describe yuba skins and how they expand when soaked in water, suggesting alternatives if not found.

Demonstrate preparing tofu puffs by placing tofu blocks in the oven for crunchiness.

Discuss the magical ingredient, fermented red bean curd, and its flavor profile, suggesting silken tofu and red wine as alternatives.

Decide between using a gas burner or induction cooktop for cooking.

Soak all vegetables in water, mentioning that mushrooms may need a quick soak as well.

Strain the soaked vegetables and prepare the sauce by mashing the fermented red bean curd with ginger, soy sauce, and date sugar.

Add water to the sauce as needed to maintain moisture while cooking.

Fry the sauce mixture briefly, checking the flavor and adjusting with soy sauce, salt, or sugar as desired.

Mention the need for more greens like snap peas, indicating a trip to the grocery store for styling.

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary