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General Tso’s Cauliflower
6 - 8 servings

[ INGREDIENTS ]

Cauliflower
Peanut Oil ( for Frying )
Scallions
Sesame Seeds

GENERAL TSO'S SAUCE

Sesame Oil
Garlic
Ginger
Vegetable Broth
Soy Sauce
Rice Vinegar
Sugar
Tomato Paste
Cornstarch

BATTER

All-Purpose Flour
Cornstarch
Baking Powder
Salt
Eggs
Water

[ INSTRUCTIONS ]

GENERAL TSO'S SAUCE

1. Heat :
   
   1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil;
   in a small saucepan over medium low heat.
2. Add :
   
   3 Cloves Garlic, Minced;
   1 Knob of Ginger, Grated;
   and stir fry for a minute or two.
3. Add :
   
   1/2 Cup Vegetable Broth;
   1/2 Cup Soy Sauce;
   1/3 Cup Rice Vinegar;
   1/4 Cup Sugar;
   2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste;
   2 Tablespoons Cornstarch, Dissolved in 1 - 2 Tablespoons of Cold Water;
   and whisk to combine.
4. Bring to a low boil; simmer for another 20 to 30 minutes or until sauce is thickened.
5. Add more sweetness, citrus, etc. to your taste.

CAULIFLOWER BATTER

1. Whisk :
   
   1 Cup All-Purpose Flour;
   2/3 Cup Cornstarch;
   1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder;
   2 Teaspoons Salt;
   4 Eggs;
   Water as Needed ( About 1/2 Cup );
   until a loose batter forms.
2. The batter should be thick enough to cling to the cauliflower and cover it but stay loose enough to easily drip off (adjust thickness with water).

CAULIFLOWER FRYING

1. Cut :
   
   1 Head Cauliflower;
   into small florets.
2. Pour :
   
   A Deep Layer of Peanut Oil ( for Frying );
   into a heavy bottomed skillet to make it deep enough so it will cover the cauliflower about halfway.
3. Heat the oil over medium heat.
4. Drop a small bit of batter in the oil to test it - when it rises to the top and bubbles, the oil is ready.
5. Dip cauliflower florets in the batter and let the excess drip off before gently setting in the oil.
6. Fry for a few minutes on each side, then flip, repeating sides several times if necessary until you get a nice golden brown fried exterior. The additional frying time helps make it a little crunchier.
7. Remove and set on a cooling rack with paper towels underneath ( this keeps it crispy vs. soggy ).

SERVING

1. Toss the fried cauliflower with the sauce ( enough just to cover )
2. Sprinkle with
   
   Scallions;
   Sesame Seeds;.
   for serving.
3. Serve with rice.

::: View the original recipe for General Tso’s Cauliflower at pinchofyum.com