VEGAN/VEGETARIAN PF CHANG'S MONGOLIAN BEEF (TOFU)

Steps:

• Remove tofu from water and thoroughly pat with paper towels to dry.
• Slice tofu in half lengthwise, then quarter it by cutting it in half along the narrow sides. You will have four rectangles. Keep them together, then begin slicing 1/4" slices from the narrow end. You should end up with lots of pieces that measure just over 1" long and about 3/4" wide.
• Put these pieces on a plate, sandwiched between paper towels, and press them dry. This should get most of the water out.
• Heat sesame oil in a deep skillet over low/medium heat.
• Add ginger and garlic to the pan and lightly sautee for about 30 seconds. Do not scorch the garlic.
• Add soy sauce and water.
• Dissolve the brown sugar in the liquid, then raise the heat to medium high and boil sauce for about three minutes. It will thicken slightly.
• Remove from heat and cool slightly.
• Put tofu strips inside of sauce and marinate them for 30-60 minutes. You can start your rice during this step, if you plan to use brown rice.
• Use a colander to gently strain the liquid from the tofu. Keep the liquid in a bowl for the next step.
• Add cornstarch to liquid and dissolve.
• Gently place the tofu back into the skillet (or in a wok, if you'd like) and brown it on medium. Don't turn it too often, or it will break. You can add a small amount of sesame oil to help it along.
• Add green onions, peppers and mushrooms to the skillet or wok.
• Pour sauce into the veggie mixture and heat, just until it's nice and hot.
• Serve over brown rice or pad thai noodles.