FIKA’s Techniques: Frying

The cooking technique of frying may be one of the oldest culinary processes, yet it is one of the most popularly used in the kitchen. However, beyond the scope of frying, there are various ways to fry depending on what dish you are cooking up. 

From shallow frying burger patties to deep drying Southern-style chicken, we are going to explore the different frying techniques and help you choose which one best suits your cuisine. 

Shallow Frying

Shallow frying is perhaps the most frequent frying method, and it is typically used to prepare fish, vegetables, eggs, and tiny quantities of meat, such as prime slices of steak, burger patties, or chicken breasts. However, this technique requires the most amount of culinary skills to get it right.  

Shallow frying consists of using the smallest amount of oil over high heat in hopes of getting your meal crispy and golden. However, like many aspects of cooking, timing is everything. 

In order to perfect shallow frying, make sure the pan is hot before adding your meal and do not stray too far from the kitchen. Continue to flip your meal to achieve the desired look, and be sure to place your meal on a paper towel to absorb some of the extra oil before serving. 

Due to shallow frying having a high smoke point, we recommend using macadamia oil or olive oil when cooking. 

For more tips and tricks on how to perfect shallow frying, check out this great source. 

Deep Frying 

Deep frying is excellent for producing your own potato chips or honing your own Southern fried chicken, and takes only a few minutes before it becomes a family favorite. While it is traditionally done commercially in a pressure fryer or vacuum fryer, you may obtain a comparable finish at home in a frying pan or big pot (with the results being just as good!). 

Forget about the slow approach to cooking, deep frying allows your food to be cooked quickly and without hassle. The easiest method to accomplish this is to ensure the temperature is kept high. 

We suggest frying on the stovetop. Find a big, deep pot with high edges and a long handle to do this in. You'll be filling the pot with a few inches of heated oil, so make sure there's enough room for the food to float without the liquid rising to the top. Due to its relatively high smoke point, vegetable oil is ideal for deep frying. 

Most recipes call for frying until the food is golden brown and well cooked. When you're finished cooking, remove the meal using your favorite utensil and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil. 

For more tips and tricks on how to perfect deep frying, check out this great source. 

 Stir-Frying   

Stir-frying is a traditional Chinese cooking method that includes tossing a slew of ingredients into a wok and frying them in very hot oil while continually swirling. 

This technique only requires a minimal quantity of oil, making it a healthier frying alternative. Your heat should be turned up high, but not too high (you don't want it to smoke). It is critical to use a high-smoke-point oil, and we recommend peanut oil. 

To help minimize sticking, heat your wok before adding the oil. Once the oil has been added, roll it around the pan to coat it completely and start to slowly add your ingredients. 

Make sure to continuously stir your meal (hence the name), and be prepared to indulge in a great dish in just a few minutes. 

For more tips and tricks on how to perfect your stir-frying techniques, check out this great source. 

Sautéing 

One of the most-used frying techniques is sautéing. By browning and increasing the flavour of ingredients, sautéing is a basic cooking procedure that provides the foundation for many foods (typically soups and stews). 

The technique uses the heat of the pan to cook items simultaneously and rapidly. It's all about stirring the ingredients in the pan, either with a wooden spoon or by moving the pan back and forth for an even cook. 

While onions and garlic are common sautéing materials, the same approach may be used for fish, steak, and even tender vegetables like mushrooms and capsicum. A good grade extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil is multipurpose, along with a large frying pan. 

For more tips and tricks on how to perfect your stir-frying techniques, check out this great source. 

Start Your Culinary Journey with FIKA 

If you are looking to expand your culinary knowledge or pick up a few easy tricks, you’ve come to the right place. 

Here at FIKA Cookware, we believe that healthy cooking starts with healthy cookware. So we pride ourselves in bringing you multi-award-winning, eco-friendly, safe cookware that will make you excited to cook.

Test out your new profound frying techniques with FIKA cookware.