General Tsophu's Tofu

This is our family's very most favorite Chinese dish.  I reviewed almost 100 recipes online as I often do, and then came up with my own version.  I did cheat on the sauce but that's a feat I will definitely take on next time by making my own!

What I used:

• paper towels on hand
• 1 block firm tofu (can go with extra firm instead too), drained, and then wrap in paper towels to squeeze out some moisture and repeat 1-2 times.  Then cut into approx. 1 inch cubes.
• 1/2-1 cup cornstarch or just keep the box on hand
• 1 large zip lock bag (I only had a small one - not a big deal, just takes longer b/c you'll have to do batches)
• Pan of canola (or vegetable/corn/neutral oil) about 1 inch deep
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 of a medium sized onion thinly sliced (I prefer Vidalia)
• 2-3 cups chopped broccoli
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 can baby corn, drained, rinsed, & chopped into 3-4 pieces each
• 1 tsp ground ginger powder (hopefully I'll have fresh next time & grate in about 1/2 tsp)
• 1-2 twists freshly ground pepper
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 packet Simply Asia General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce - I got it at Harris Teeter (http://www.simplyasia.com/products/Stir-Fry-Sauces/General-Tsao-Stir-Fry-Sauce.aspx)

Steps:

1. Heat oil on medium heat. An easy way to know if it's ready: dip the end of a wooden spoon handle in the oil. If it starts to fizz around the handle, get frying!

2. Put cornstarch into zip lop bag.  Add in tofu cubes, seal bag, & shake until well coated.

3. Fry 3-5 min. or until a light golden brown.  Remember never to do really big batches whenever you fry something because it will significantly lower the temperature of the oil which will result in longer frying time, oilier food, and less crisp to the bite.

4. Drain tofu on a plate covered in 2-3 layered paper towels.

5. Heat the sesame oil in a large wok for 1-2 min. Add in garlic & onions. Saute 1 min. or until fragrance emits. Add scallions, broccoli, baby corn, & peppers.  Saute 5-10 min. depending on how tender you like your stir fry. Add ginger & black pepper.

6. Fold in tofu.

7. Add sauce and toss around until everything looks well coated.