Singapore Cereal Shrimp (Butter Prawn)
This Singaporean Cereal Shrimp delivers a delightful crunch with every bite! Quick to make and bursting with flavor, it's a taste of Singapore you can enjoy right at home.
Servings: 6
Calories: 577kcal
Equipment
- 1 frying pan or wok
Ingredients
Fried Shrimp
- 700 grams large shrimp
- 1 whole egg or egg whites
- ½ cup cornstarch or corn flour
- 1 cup cooking oil
- salt and white pepper
Cereal Mix
- ¾ cup Nestum Cereal
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon Milk Powder
- 1 teaspoon beef powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
Others
- ½ cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 stalk curry leaves
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil or any neutral oil
- 3 pieces bird's eye chili
Instructions
Fry the Shrimps
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp, egg white, salt, and white pepper.700 grams large shrimp, 1 whole egg, salt and white pepper
- Place the shrimps in a bowl of cornstarch and roll them around to coat. Then, tap the bowl gently to remove any extra cornstarch.½ cup cornstarch or corn flour
- Heat enough oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat.1 cup cooking oil
- Once the oil is hot, deep fry the shrimps until they turn golden and are cooked through. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Remove the shrimps and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
Prepare the Cereal Mixture
- In a clean wok or large pan, melt the butter with the cooking oil over medium heat.½ cup butter, 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- Add the minced garlic, curry leaves, and bird's eye chilies (if using). Stir-fry until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.3 cloves garlic, 1 stalk curry leaves, 3 pieces bird's eye chili
- Add the Nestum cereal, milk powder, beef powder, sugar, and salt. Stir continuously and toast the cereal mixture until it turns golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.¾ cup Nestum Cereal, 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, 2 tablespoon Milk Powder, 1 teaspoon beef powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon white pepper
Combine Shrimp with Cereal Mixture
- Add the fried prawn or shrimp back into the wok with the cereal mixture.
- Toss everything together, ensuring the shrimps are well coated with the cereal mixture.
- Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Serve
- Transfer the cereal prawns to a serving plate.
- Garnish with extra curry leaves and sliced chilies if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Use dry shrimp: Pat the shrimp very dry before coating. Moisture = soggy cereal.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: They only need 2–3 minutes. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast.
- Shake off extra cornstarch: A light coating keeps the shrimp crisp, not gummy.
- Toast the cereal gently: Medium heat and constant stirring prevent burning.
- Drain before tossing: Let fried shrimp sit on paper towels for a minute so oil doesn’t soak into the cereal.
- Nestum matters: Instant cereal flakes work, but Nestum gives the most authentic flavor and crunch.
- Milk powder is optional: Skip it if needed, but it adds that classic creamy, zi char-style taste.
- Best served immediately: This dish is at its crunchiest right after tossing.
Nutrition
Calories: 577kcal | Carbohydrates: 64.4g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 16.8g | Saturated Fat: 7.2g | Cholesterol: 202mg | Sodium: 6621mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 5.1g | Sugar: 41.1g | Calcium: 428mg | Iron: 5mg
