General Tso's Tofu

Ingredients

• 14 ounces tofu (firm, medium, or soft (usually 1 block))
• 3/4 cup cornstarch (or as much as needed)
• Oil (any neutral oil, as needed for frying and cooking)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 stalk green onion (sliced (separate the whites and greens))
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to your preference)
• 4 pieces whole dry chili pepper ((optional))

Instructions

1. 1

   Drain and cut tofu.: Drain the tofu from its container and and pat dry as much as possible with paper towels. Then cut the tofu evenly into 1 inch cubes.*You can also press it overnight to get more moisture out, for crispier fried tofu.*

2. 2

   In a bowl, combine ketchup, water, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk until evenly combined and no clumps of cornstarch is visible. Set aside until needed.

3. 3

   Heat 1 to 2 inches of oil to 350°F and prepare a plate lined with paper towels.

4. 4

   Coat the tofu with cornstarch on all sides. You can do this on a plate or in a gallon resealable bag. If using the bag method, be sure to shake gently to prevent the tofu from breaking.*You want to do this as close to frying time as possible.*

5. 5

   Once the oil is hot, add the tofu and fry until crispy and pale gold in color, about 5 minutes. Remove the tofu and allow it to drain on some paper towels. Fry in batches if needed.*If you prefer, you can pan fry the tofu in a pan with about ½ inch of oil.*

6. 6

   In a large pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. When the oil is hot, add the whites of the green onions, pepper flakes, and whole dry peppers. Saute until fragrant. Give the prepared sauce mixture a good stir and add to the pan. Allow the sauce to cook until bubbly, glossy, and thickened. Make sure to stir often.

7. 7

   Once the General Tso's sauce is ready, add the crispy fried tofu. Gently toss and stir until the tofu are evenly coated with sauce.

8. 8

   Pan-fry tofu.: Serve the General Tso's tofu immediately with some rice and garnish with the greens of the green onion and/or sesame seeds, if desired.