The Best Vegan Minced "Pork"

1 While you are pressing the tofu, soak the shiitake mushrooms in the warm water in a large bowl that will be big enough to fit the tofu and veggies. Let the shiitakes soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. They should soften and rehydrated. 
2 Squeeze any water left in the mushrooms out into the bowl. It will give the marinade more flavor. Finely mince the mushrooms and set them aside. 
3 Now, add the liquid smoke, mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang and sugar to the bowl with the mushroom liquid. Whisk to combine to create the marinade. 
0 Once you have drained and pressed the tofu, I like to use a box grater to shred the tofu, but you can also finely crumble it. 
4 Add the tofu, shredded veggies, minced mushrooms, garlic and ginger to the marinade. 
5 Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate it as long as you want.
6 Once you are ready to make the "pork", heat the olive oil on medium high on in a large non-stick skillet.
7 Add the tofu and veggies, any extra marinade and all to the skillet. Sauté, reducing heat as needed, until the liquid is absorbed and then the tofu starts to brown. This will take about 15 minutes. 
8 Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more soy sauce if it needs more salt.
9 Serve over rice or noodles topped with sesame seeds and chives.