Crispy Oatmeal Tofu
This crispy oatmeal tofu recipe brings together the soft texture of tofu with a delightful crunch from the oatmeal coating. It’s a savory snack that’s easy to make and loved by both adults and children alike. Perfect for a healthy snack or light meal, this recipe skips the chili for a kid-friendly version but remains packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tofu (cut into cubes) | 10 pieces |
| Tofu Marinade: | |
| Garlic cloves (finely minced) | 3 cloves |
| Ground coriander | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Chicken or vegetable stock powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Wet Coating: | |
| Egg | 1 piece |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Water | A little, to thin the batter |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Pepper | A pinch |
| Dry Coating: | |
| All-purpose flour | 4 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Ground pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground white pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Oatmeal Mixture: | |
| Quaker oats (red variety) | 10 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves (finely chopped) | 7 cloves |
| Shallots (finely chopped) | 5 pieces |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Pepper | A pinch |
| Chicken or vegetable stock powder | A pinch |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
| Chili (optional) | To taste |
| Green onions (optional) | To garnish |
Instructions:
-
Marinate the Tofu:
Begin by marinating the tofu cubes. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, ground coriander, salt, and stock powder. Mix well, then add the tofu cubes. Let the tofu marinate in this flavorful mixture for about 1 hour to absorb all the seasoning. -
-
Prepare the Wet and Dry Coatings:
While the tofu is marinating, prepare the coatings. For the wet coating, beat the egg in a bowl, then add the all-purpose flour, a small amount of water, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until it forms a smooth batter.In another bowl, mix the dry coating ingredients: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and both kinds of pepper. Set both coatings aside.
-
Coat and Fry the Tofu:
After the tofu has marinated, dip each tofu cube first into the wet coating, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then, roll the tofu in the dry coating mixture. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the coated tofu cubes until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside to drain excess oil. -
Prepare the Oatmeal Mixture:
In a separate pan, heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil. Add the finely chopped garlic and shallots, sautéing until they turn fragrant and lightly golden. Season with salt, pepper, and stock powder to taste. -
Cook the Oatmeal:
Lower the heat and add the Quaker oats to the pan, stirring continuously. Cook the oats until they become golden and crispy, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them by keeping the heat low. -
Combine and Serve:
Once the oatmeal is crunchy, toss the fried tofu cubes into the pan, stirring gently to coat them evenly with the seasoned oatmeal mixture. Allow the tofu to absorb the flavors for a minute or two, then remove from the heat. -
Optional Garnish:
If desired, garnish with freshly chopped green onions or add some sliced chili for an extra kick of heat. Serve warm and enjoy your crispy oatmeal tofu!
This crispy oatmeal tofu is perfect as a snack or light lunch, offering a balance of crispy textures and savory flavors. For those who enjoy a little spice, the optional chili adds a nice heat, but the recipe can easily be kept mild for children or those preferring a less spicy dish.
