General Tso’s Cauliflower

Ingredients

• 1 small head cauliflower
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Pinch of white pepper
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup rice flour
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 to 3 cups peanut or canola oil, for frying
• 1 tablespoon peanut or canola oil
• 2 teaspoons finely minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 5 whole dried red chili peppers (optional)
• ½ tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 1½ tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup water (or chicken stock)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water
• 1 scallion, cut at an angle into half-inch pieces