Pan-fried Cornflake Crusted Tofu Cutlet
Packed with 18g of protein per cutlet, these crunchy, cornflake-breaded tofu cutlets are the perfect protein to add to any dinner: serve with salad, potatoes, or pop them in a sandwich! They are pan-fried, so they cook much quicker than oven-baked. Ready in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 ounce package super firm or extra firm tofu patted dry to remove surface moisture.
- 1 cup neutral oil for frying
Cornstarch Layer
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- freshly cracked pepper use lots
Milk Wash
- 1 cup your favourite milk I use unsweetened soy milk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce I use Franks
Cornflake Layer
- 4 cups cornflake type cereal crushed by hand, or with a few blitzes in the food processor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Slice the block of tofu horizontally, so you end up with 3 thinner rectangles, about ½ inch (1 cm) thick.
- Prep your dredging station, in 3 glass containers: Dish one is cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, Dish two is milk, franks red hot. Dish three is crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt
- Coat your tofu, one piece at a time. Start with the cornstarch mixture, turning it over, so it’s coated on all sides. Gently tap off excess and dunk in milk mixture. Next, place tofu in cornflake mixture and press the cornflakes into the tofu. Rest on a plate while you prepare the other two pieces.
- Add oil to a large, deep walled nonstick skillet. Heat it on medium, until the oil shimmers. Not sure if it’s ready? Add a cornflake - if it sizzles, it’s ready! If the skillet is big enough you can cook all three cutlets at once, you don't want them crowded though.
- Pan-fry the tofu 2-3 minutes a side. You want it golden brown for maximum crispness, not dark. Remove to a wire rack covered in paper towel. Sprinkle with salt while hot.
If you use an oil thermometer, you want about 325℉ so you don't overdo the cornflakes.