Date: 12/16/2023 12/17/2023
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Lucy Zhou
Weekly Buddhist Cuisine Menu
Stir-Fried Bell Peppers with Shiitake Mushrooms
Summary:
This is a vibrant and flavorful vegan stir-fry where sweet bell peppers and tender shiitake mushrooms are cooked in a light savory sauce, making it a delicious and nutritious dish.
Ingredients:
Bell peppers (red, yellow, green) 200g (cut into strips or chunks)
Shiitake mushrooms 150g (washed and sliced)
Carrot 50g (julienned, optional)
Light soy sauce 1.5 tablespoons
Vegetarian oyster sauce 1 tablespoon (optional)
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
White pepper powder to taste (optional)
Five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Cornstarch 1 teaspoon (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, optional)
Vegetable oil 1 tablespoon
Water 50ml
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Wash and deseed the bell peppers, then cut them into chunks or strips. Wash and slice the shiitake mushrooms. Julienne the carrot if using.
2. Blanch the Mushrooms (Optional):
Bring water to a boil, blanch the shiitake mushrooms for 30 seconds, then drain. This helps remove any strong mushroom aroma and keeps them tender.
3. Heat the Pan:
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the julienned carrot and stir-fry for 30 seconds until slightly softened.
4. Cook the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry for 1 minute until softened and releasing juices.
5. Add the Bell Peppers and Seasoning:
Toss in the bell peppers, then add light soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce (optional), salt, white pepper powder (optional), and five-spice powder (optional). Stir well to evenly coat the ingredients.
6. Simmer for Flavor:
Pour in 50ml of water, cover, and let simmer for 1 minute to enhance the flavors while keeping the vegetables crisp.
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If the sauce is too thin, add the cornstarch slurry and stir quickly until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the vegetables.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy immediately. The bell peppers are sweet and crunchy, while the mushrooms are tender and umami-rich, making this dish visually appealing and delicious.
