Crispy Tofu Bites with Fish Caramel Sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Set out a rimmed baking sheet lined with a double layer of paper towels. Add the soybean oil to a 12-inch sauté pan over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating combine the cubed tofu, rice flour, and salt in a zip-top plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake well to cover all the cubed tofu in the rice flour-salt mixture. When the oil is shimmering, use a steel mesh or spider stainer to remove the tofu from the bag, shaking to remove any excess flour, and place in a single layer in the oil. Use chopsticks or tongs to turn the cubes every 2-3 minutes or so to cook on all sides. The tofu will not turn brown, but you will see the edges start to get crispy. Placed cooked tofu on the lined baking sheet.
2. Prepare the fish sauce caramel: In a small 1-quart saucepan combine sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce. Stir with a wooden spoon, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the caramel thickens slightly. The caramel will continue to thicken as it cools so it’s best to make the caramel right before serving so that drizzling it on the tofu cubes is easy.
3. Finish the dish: Place the tofu cubes in a platter or individual serving plates, drizzle each cube with about 1/2 teaspoon of the caramel, and serve. The easiest way to serve the tofu bites is with toothpicks.