General Tsos Tofu Stir Fry Food

GENERAL TSO'S TOFU

Steps:

• Mix the honey and Louisiana hot sauce in a bowl until well combined. Add the tofu to the bowl, and toss together gently with a spatula until the tofu is well-coated.
• Next, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the tofu, and toss until evenly distributed. Next, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu until lightly coated. If the tofu is still too wet, add a little more cornstarch.
• Heat 1/3 cup oil in a medium-sized frying pan (we like to use a cast iron skillet) until the oil is about 350F, or when a bamboo chopstick bubbles when inserted into the oil. If you want to make the tofu frying easier, use more oil to achieve a deep fry.
• Carefully place the tofu pieces into the pan, ensuring that the pieces are not touching, and let fry for about 2 minutes. Turn them over to continue frying on the other side. Work quickly and turn the heat down if you need more time for turning, or if you see they are starting to burn. Continue to cook the tofu until a nice crust is formed, and they turn golden brown (about 4-5 minutes time in total). Transfer the tofu pieces to a sheet pan with a slotted spoon.
• Heat your wok over medium heat, and add 1 tablespoon of the oil left from tofu-frying, and add the ginger. After 10 seconds, add the garlic and the whole dried chili peppers, and stir for 15 seconds. Next, stir in the red bell peppers and Shaoxing wine.
• Now add the water or vegetable stock, and let the mixture come up to a boil. Add the broccoli florets.
• Immediately add the soy sauces, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and sesame oil. Let the mixture come up to a boil. Immediately add the cornstarch mixture slowly while stirring.
• The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon. Feel free to add more or less of the cornstarch mixture depending on how thick you like your sauce, but give it 30 seconds to 1 minute between additions, as it does take some time for the sauce to thicken.
• Toss in your fried tofu and give everything a quick stir to make sure the tofu is coated. Serve with steamed rice!

GENERAL TSO'S TOFU

Steps:

• Place tofu onto a plate lined with several paper towels. Cover with more paper towels and another plate. Set a 3- to 5-pound weight on top and press tofu for 30 minutes. Drain and discard any accumulated liquid.
• Place tofu cubes in a shallow bowl. Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce and sesame oil. Gently stir to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes or until tofu has absorbed most of the liquid.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce by whisking soy sauce, maple syrup, sambal oelek, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, cornstarch, and green onions together in a bowl. Set aside.
• Drain any remaining liquid from the tofu. Place cornstarch in a gallon-sized plastic resealable bag. Drop tofu cubes in the bag, seal, and gently shake until coated with cornstarch.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tofu for 4 minutes. Flip with tongs and cook until browned on all sides, about 4 minutes more. Transfer tofu to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.
• Pour sauce into the skillet and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Return tofu to the skillet and toss to combine.

GENERAL TORGO'S STIR-FRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Whisk together the tomato paste, water, soy sauce, vinegar, & stock. Whisk in the cornstarch. Whisk in some honey a little bit at a time until your desired sweetness (dip your finger into it and taste as you go; try not to make too sweet so it doesn't overpower the other flavors). This is the base of the sauce and can be stored until you need it. Make 5x as much and put in a jar in the fridge (shake before using).
• Stir-fry your desired meat & vegetables and set to side. Now you're ready to use sauce!
• Heat peanut/canola oil at medium-high to high heat. Add the red pepper flakes. After 5-10 seconds, add garlic and ginger. Wait 5-10 seconds, add the sauce. Reduce the sauce so it becomes nice and thick. Add your stir-fry stuff for a minute or two. An option is to add a little sesame oil at the end and let it heat for a few seconds until you can smell its beautiful aroma. Serve. Eat.