800g firm, fresh tofu
Cornflour, to dust the tofu
Vegetable oil, for frying
113 g butter (1 stick)
12 small shallots (350g), peeled and thinly sliced
4 red chillies, thinly sliced
12 garlic cloves, crushed
3 tbsp chopped ginger
4 tbsp crushed black peppercorns
3 tbsp sweet soy sauce
3 tbsp light soy sauce
4 tsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp caster sugar (superfine sugar)
16 small, thin spring onions, cut into segments 3cm long
jasmine rice for serving