Tofu with ground beef and mushrooms (non spicy Ma Po Tofu)

Tofu with ground beef and mushrooms (like Ma Po Tofu but non spicy)

Made this last week. My mom ate most of the tofu and mushrooms while I ate the meat. Turned out pretty good. Here's my recipe (adapted from this recipe):

Ingredients:
1 box of silkened tofu
1 large garlic clove
2 green onions
2/3 cup chicken stock
3 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp sesame oil
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 lb. ground beef (I got organic grass fed version from Trader Joe's)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black bean and garlic paste
1 tbsp water mixed with 1/2 tbsp cornstarch

Directions:

1. First, slice the tofu parallel to the table into thirds so that there are 3 "slices" of tofu. Then cut 3 rows horizontal and vertical. Let it sit in a bowl to drain excess water.

2. Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes by add sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar and mix well.

3. Peel and mince the garlic. Cur the green onions in half lengthwise and slice diagonally into 1/2 inch sections. Heat the stock until it is just starting to boil.

4. Add olive oil to a pan and when it begins to smoke, gently add the tofu. This will make it slightly more firm. Then leave it in a bowl and set aside.

5. After clearing the tofu from the pan, once again, add oil and when oil begins to smoke, add garlic and ground beef. Stir fry vigorously until browned. Add salt and stir. Turn down the heat and add black bean and garlic paste.

6. Add the hot stock and tofu to the meat. Simmer for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add green onions. Finally, stir in cornstarch mixture and boil until sauce is thickened.