This crispy Cereal Butter Tofu features fried tofu slices coated in a savory, buttery cereal mixture with garlic and spices. It’s a quick and flavorful twist on a classic dish, perfect for any mealtime!
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Have you tried my favorite Singapore Cereal Prawn recipe?
This Cereal Butter Tofu is a delicious variation inspired by that dish, perfect for tofu lovers craving crispy textures and bold flavors.
If you're a fan of tofu's versatility and love exploring new flavors, don't miss out on my tofu sisig and soy glazed tofu recipes—they’re sure to add excitement to your meals with their savory and sweet profiles!
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Recipe Ingredients
Fried Tofu
- Firm or extra firm tofu
- Cornstarch, salt and garlic powder
- Cooking Oil
Cereal Mixture
- Nestum Multi-Grain Cereal (or any instant cereal flakes)
- Powdered/ Confectioner's Sugar or White Sugar
- Milk Powder
- Beef powder or crumbled beef bouillon
Others
- Salted Butter
- Garlic
- Sprig Curry leaves
- Bird's eye Chilies or red pepper flakes or Jalapeno
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Cereal Butter Tofu?
- Prepare the Tofu: Slice the tofu into ½-inch pieces and pat them dry.
- Mix the Coating: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder. This will give it a delicious, crispy coating.
- Coat it: Dredge each tofu slice in the cornstarch mixture until well-coated.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat some oil in a pan and fry the coated tofu pieces until they’re golden brown. Set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Cereal Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together cereal, sugar, milk powder, and beef powder.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a clean wok or large pan, melt butter with a little cooking oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, curry leaves, and bird's eye chilies (if you like a bit of heat). Stir-fry until everything is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Toast the Cereal: Add your cereal mixture to the pan. Stir continuously and toast until the cereal is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Combine and Enjoy: Toss the fried tofu back into the wok with the toasted cereal mixture. Mix well to ensure each piece is nicely coated with the crispy, flavorful cereal.
Variations
Cereal Mushrooms: Swap out tofu for hearty mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms. Their meaty texture works well with the crispy cereal coating.
Cereal Tempeh: For a protein-rich variation, use tempeh. The nutty flavor of tempeh pairs perfectly with the buttery, crispy cereal topping.
Cereal Eggplant: Try crispy fried eggplant slices as a plant-based variation.
Spicy Cereal Tofu: Add extra chili flakes or finely chopped bird's eye chili to the cereal mix for a spicy kick that pairs with the buttery flavors.
Salted Egg Cereal Tofu: Mix in salted egg yolk with the cereal topping for a rich, creamy version that’s even more indulgent.
Cereal Tofu with Prawns: Combine with prawns for a mix of textures and flavors—perfect for seafood lovers who want to keep a vegetarian option on the plate.
What to Serve with This?
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The simplicity of steamed rice pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery cereal tofu.
- Stir Fried Green Beans: A side of stir-fried green beans with garlic offers a refreshing, light contrast to the rich and savory dish.
- Fried Mantou (Chinese Buns): These crispy buns are perfect for scooping up the buttery cereal crumbs and adding an extra layer of crunch to the meal.
- Chili Garlic Oil: Adds a delightful spice enhancing the flavor even more.
- Egg Fried Rice: Serve your cereal shrimp with egg fried rice for a heartier option, complementing the dish with fluffy, flavorful rice mixed with scrambled eggs and veggies.
- Garlic Noodles: Toss together buttery garlic noodles for a rich and flavorful pairing.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Cereal Butter Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread the tofu on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy, or reheat in a non-stick pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Secret to Crispiest Tofu
For the crispiest tofu, make sure to press out as much moisture as possible before coating and frying. Using firm or extra-firm works best. Also, toast the cereal mixture carefully over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning, ensuring a perfect golden brown crunch every time!
Recipe FAQs
It's best to use firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe to ensure that it holds its shape and achieves a crispy texture.
Nestum cereal is commonly used for this dish, but you can substitute with other unsweetened, finely ground cereals if needed.
Yes, you can prepare the tofu and cereal mixture ahead of time and store them separately. Combine and reheat them just before serving to maintain the crispiness.
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional value.
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Recipe
Cereal Butter Tofu Recipe
Equipment
- 1 frying pan or wok
Ingredients
Fried Tofu
- 16 ounces Firm or extra firm tofu
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup Cooking Oil
Cereal Mixture
- ½ cup Nestum Multi-Grain Cereal or any instant cereal flakes
- ½ teaspoon Powdered/ Confectioner's Sugar or White Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Milk Powder
- ½ teaspoon Beef powder or crumbled beef bouillon
Others
- ¼ cup Salted Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic, crushed
- 1 stalk Sprig Curry leaves
- 2 pieces Bird's eye Chilies or red pepper flakes or Jalapeno (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the tofu into ½-inch pieces and pat them dry.
- In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder. This will give your tofu a delicious, crispy coating.
- Dredge each tofu slice in the cornstarch mixture until well-coated.
- Heat some oil in a pan and fry the coated tofu pieces until they’re golden brown. Set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- In a separate bowl, mix together cereal, sugar, milk powder, and beef powder. This will be the magical crunchy coating for your tofu.
- In a clean wok or large pan, melt butter with a little cooking oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, curry leaves, and bird's eye chilies (if you like a bit of heat). Stir-fry until everything is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add your cereal mixture to the pan. Stir continuously and toast until the cereal is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Toss the fried tofu back into the wok with the toasted cereal mixture. Mix well to ensure each piece of tofu is nicely coated with the crispy, flavorful cereal. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Cereal Butter Tofu!
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