Sweet and Sour Tofu with Pineapple and Peppers

Ingredients

• 1 16-ounce block extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed for 20 minutes
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ cup vinegar
• ½ cup water
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup pineapple juice, from canned pineapple chunks
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 6 ounces canned pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, deseeded, deveined, and diced, optional
• 8 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• White rice
• Toasted sesame seeds, optional
• Sliced green onion, optional