Weekly Buddhist Diet: Braised Tofu-Skin Knots

Week 1 of October 2026

Summary:

Braised Tofu-Skin Knots are simmered with shiitake mushrooms and carrot until supple and deeply seasoned. The glossy soy-based sauce is savory, gently sweet, and ideal with rice.

Tofu skin provides plant-based protein, while mushrooms and carrot add fiber and variety. Use soy sauce and salt moderately to keep the sodium level in balance.

Ingredients:

· Tofu-skin knots 350 g
· Fresh shiitake mushrooms 150 g
· Carrot 80 g
· Light soy sauce 1.5 tbsp
· Dark soy sauce 1/2 tsp
· Rock sugar 8 g
· Star anise 1
· Sesame oil 1 tsp
· Water 350 ml
· Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the knots
Rinse with warm water. If using dried knots, soak according to the package directions.

2. Prepare the vegetables
Remove the mushroom stems and slice thickly; cut the carrot into chunks.

3. Sauté
Cook the mushrooms and carrot in a small amount of oil for 2 minutes.

4. Season
Add the tofu knots, soy sauces, sugar, star anise, and water.

5. Simmer
Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, turning carefully once or twice.

6. Finish
Reduce the sauce until lightly thickened, add sesame oil, adjust the salt, and serve.

Plant-Based Wellness Tip

Tofu skin absorbs seasoning readily. Rinse it first and avoid reducing the sauce completely so the knots remain moist and tender.

Eat healthy, enjoy plant-based meals every week!