Weekly Buddhist Diet: Vegan Yuxiang Shredded “Pork” (Shredded Tofu Sticks)

Weekly Buddhist Diet: Vegan Yuxiang Shredded “Pork” (Shredded Tofu Sticks)

The first week of December 2025

Summary:

Vegan Yuxiang Shredded “Pork” recreates the classic Sichuan flavor profile using shredded tofu instead of meat. The dish combines sweet, sour, savory, and mildly spicy notes, forming a rich and aromatic sauce that coats every ingredient. Tofu sticks offer a firm, chewy texture and excellent protein content, while wood ear mushrooms, carrots, and green peppers provide fiber, vitamins, and color. The signature Yuxiang flavor comes from fermented chili bean paste balanced with vinegar and sugar, resulting in a fragrant and appetizing sauce without any animal ingredients. This dish is lighter than the traditional version yet still deeply flavorful, making it suitable for both vegetarians and general diners. Perfect with rice or noodles, it is a fast, nutritious, and satisfying everyday plant-based dish.

Ingredients:
· Shredded tofu sticks 200g
· Carrot (shredded) 50g

· Wood ear mushrooms (shredded) 50g
· Green pepper (shredded) 30g
· Chili bean paste 1 tbsp
· Light soy sauce 1 tbsp
· Vinegar 1 tbsp
· Sugar 1 tsp
· Cornstarch slurry 2 tbsp
· Vegetable oil 1–2 tbsp
· Minced ginger 1 tsp

Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients
Shred tofu, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, and green peppers.

2. Make the Yuxiang sauce
Mix soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch slurry.

3. Sauté the aromatics
Heat oil; stir-fry ginger and chili bean paste until fragrant.

4. Stir-fry the main ingredients
Add tofu sticks, wood ear mushrooms, and carrots; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.

5. Add green pepper and sauce
Pour in green pepper and Yuxiang sauce; stir-fry until slightly thickened.

6. Serve
Transfer to a plate and serve hot with rice or noodles.

Plant-Based Wellness Tip

Tofu provides high-quality plant protein; wood ear mushrooms support digestion; carrots strengthen immunity. This aromatic Sichuan dish boosts appetite while keeping the meal light and balanced.

Eat healthy, enjoy plant-based meals every week!