Black Pepper Tofu

Ingredients (14)

• 1 pound extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 cups peanut or vegetable oil, for frying
• Cornstarch, for dusting
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or oil (use oil for truly vegan version of dish)
• 2 red chiles, I like red jalapenos
• 1/2 cup shallots, about 3 large shallots
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 inches fresh ginger, diced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, roughly ground
• 6 scallions, chopped
• Rice for serving