Crispy Golden Tofu with Charred Broccoli Stir-Fry

1. Prepare and heat oil

Start by heating 1.5 quarts of vegetable or peanut oil in a wok until it reaches 350°F.

2. Prepare batter

While waiting for the oil to heat, whisk together 0.5 cup of cornstarch, 0.5 cup of flour, 0.5 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt in a bowl. Gradually add 0.5 cup of cold water and 0.5 cup of vodka, mixing until the batter has the consistency of thin paint, falling off the whisk in thin ribbons.

3. Fry tofu

Next, coat the tofu slabs in the prepared batter. Carefully lower the tofu into the hot oil and fry for about 6 minutes, ensuring they become evenly pale golden and crisp all over. Transfer the fried tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Pour out all but one tablespoon of the oil from the wok.

4. Prepare sauce

In a small bowl, combine 0.25 cup of Xiaoshing wine or dry sherry, 0.25 cup of vegetable stock, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fermented black bean sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, 2 segments of lemon peel, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. This will be the sauce for the stir-fry.

5. Cook broccoli

Reheat the wok over high heat until it’s lightly smoking. Add the broccoli florets and cook until they are lightly charred but still firm. This should take a few minutes.

6. Add aromatics

Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped scallions to the wok and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the broccoli and aromatics to a bowl.

7. Cook sauce

Return the wok to high heat and pour in the sauce mixture. Cook it for about 30 seconds until it thickens and becomes glossy.

8. Combine and serve

Then, add the cooked broccoli and the fried tofu back into the wok, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry and season with salt to taste. Finally, transfer the stir-fry to a serving platter and garnish with the remaining tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds.