Sweet and Sour Tofu (糖醋豆腐)

Ingredients

• 1 block (16 ounces / 450 g) extra firm tofu (, cut into 1/2 inch (1 cm) squares)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine ((or dry sherry))
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce ((or soy sauce))
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar ((*Footnote 1))
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup peanut oil ((or vegetable oil))
• 2 cloves garlic (, minced)
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 1/2 small white onion (, chopped into 1/2 inch (1 cm squares))
• 1 sweet pepper (, chopped into 1/2 inch (1 cm squares) (I used a mix of colors in this recipe))

Steps

1. 1

   Marinate the tofu: Spread the tofu on a medium-sized baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Gently mix a few times. Let marinate for 15 to 20 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.

2. 2

   For the sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.

3. 3

   Prepare the tofu: When you’re ready to cook, pat the tofu dry with paper towels. Add the peanut oil. Mix a few times. Then add the cornstarch, one tablespoon at a time. Stir gently until all the tofu is coated evenly with a thin paste.

4. 4

   To cook the stir fry: Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until hot. Add the tofu pieces in a single layer.

5. 5

   Cook over medium heat until the bottom turns golden, 4 to 5 minutes or so. If using a nonstick skillet, use a pair of chopsticks to separate the tofu as much as you can during the time (*Footnote 2). Flip to brown the other side, another 3 to 4 minutes until turning golden. Transfer the tofu to a big plate and remove the pan from the stove.

6. 6

   You should still have 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in the pan. Wipe off any excess oil with paper towels if needed. Add ginger and garlic. Cook and stir a few times until it releases fragrance.

7. 7

   Stir the sauce again to dissolve the cornstarch completely. Pour into the pan. Stir and cook until it thickens.

8. 8

   Add the white onion and peppers. Stir a few times, then add back the cooked tofu. Stir to coat everything with the sauce, 30 seconds or so. Transfer everything to a big plate. Serve hot as a main dish.