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1
Combine all of the tofu marinade ingredients in a 2-quart bowl.
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2
Whisk together well.
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3
Drain the tofu and pat dry with paper towels.
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4
Cut into 1/2-inch-thick dominoes, blot again with paper towels and add to the bowl with the marinade.
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5
Gently toss to coat.
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6
Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to an hour, or for up to a day.
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7
Mix together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, scallions, sesame seeds and salt to taste in a small bowl or measuring cup.
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8
Add red pepper paste if desired.
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9
Set aside.
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10
While the tofu is marinating, toss the cucumber with salt to taste and place in a colander in the sink for 15 to 30 minutes.
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11
Rinse and squeeze dry.
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12
Place in a bowl and toss with 2 teaspoons of the vinegar and sesame oil mixture.
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13
In a separate bowl, toss the carrots with 1 tablespoon of the vinegar and sesame oil mixture.
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14
Refrigerate both the cucumbers and carrots while you cook the tofu, spinach and mushrooms.
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15
Wash the spinach and wilt in a large frying pan over high heat.
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16
Remove from the heat, press out excess water and toss in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of the vinegar and sesame oil mixture.
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17
Heat a wok or large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water evaporates immediately on contact and add the canola oil.
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18
Stir-fry the tofu for 3 to 5 minutes, until lightly browned, and remove to a plate.
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19
Add the shiitakes to the pan, let sit without stirring for 1 minute, then stir-fry for another minute or two, until tender.
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20
Remove to a plate.
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21
Fry the eggs in the hot pan or in a separate nonstick skillet until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
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22
Season with salt and pepper.
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23
Heat 4 wide soup bowls.
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24
Place a mound of hot grains in the middle of each one and surround with the tofu and vegetables, as well as kimchi if desired, each ingredient in its own little pile.
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25
Place a fried egg and a small spoonful of chili paste on top of the rice and garnish with the toasted nori and sesame seeds.
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26
Serve at once.
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27
Diners should break the egg into the rice.
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28
Pass the chili paste and add more as desired.