To test the temperature of the oil, you can use a thermometer, or you can drop a bit of water into the pan. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Whether pan frying, shallow frying or deep frying, it is important for the oil to reach the required temperature before adding the food to the pan. @Scrbblchick -- My grandmother used to make hot water cornbread! In shallow-frying, also called pan- frying, a small amount of oil is put into a saucepan, the oil is heated, and then the food is added and cooked. Learn more... As an alternative to deep frying, shallow frying is used to lend a crispy texture to small, delicate foods without the need to completely submerge them in oil. The presentation side of the food should be fried first as this side will have the better appearance because the fat is clean, then turned so that both sides are cooked and coloured. Shallow frying : It is also a high-heat process, promoting browning of the food items. Just make sure it's made of metal, or it will melt when exposed to the hot oil. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. You have to be careful not to make the batter too thick though, or the cornbread won't cook through before it gets too brown on the outside. If doing multiple batches, keep already fried foods warm in a 200˚ oven. Frying is divided into 2 basic categories, shallow and deep. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, try her Pork Milanese or Crispy Chicken with Caesar Salad. Shallow frying means cooking food in oil with a depth that reaches about half of the thickness of the food with the food touching the bottom of the pan all throughout. Drain the fried food on paper towels as soon as it comes out of the oil. A deep-fry thermometer is helpful in monitoring the temperature, so the cook knows when to allow the temperature to rise between batches. Cooking oils, such as corn, canola, vegetable, or sunflower, are used in shallow frying. Shallow frying can also be used to cook vegetables. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Hot oil can easily destroy wood and plastic. Since the food is only partly submerged, it must be turned over partway through the cooking process. Shallow frying can also be used to cook vegetables. This is a great method to try, since it uses less oil than deep frying, but still produces a nice, crispy result. Shallow frying, which is also often referred to as pan frying, is a method in which you fill a shallow pan with oil, let it bubble and heat up, and place the food in the pan, making sure that the food sizzles as soon as it hits the pan. These oils have a high smoke point, meaning they can withstand high heat before they will burn. Pan-frying, a.k.a. Since the correct temperature oil is essential for a crispy result, you want to be sure you have it right. If you’re new to frying, shallow frying is a good way to practice, since it gives you a chance to work with larger quantities of oil. It's easier to bring it up to temperature or bring it down. Remove the food as soon as it is ready, allowing it to drain on absorbent paper. Shallow Frying. It is typically used to prepare portion-sized cuts of meat and fish, and patties such as fritters. Frying always requires a high cooking temperature which can be anywhere from 350F to 375F depending on the smoking point of the oil used. shallow-frying, calls for filling a skillet to a certain depth (generally around 1/3 full) with oil heated to a specific temperature—often between 325°F and 400°F. Last Updated: March 29, 2019 • Meat – soft pieces of meat, boneless, tenderized (escalope, schnitzel), • Vegetables –cut into identical size pieces. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Simple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Is So Good, How to Dry Brine a Turkey for Thanksgiving, Learn How to Spatchcock a Turkey for Thanksgiving, How to Make Royal Icing Without Meringue Powder, It's So Easy to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning, Learn How to Cook Perfect Lentils Every Time. The rigid coating increases the palatability of fried foods by inhibiting moisture loss and creating the desirable ‘crispiness’ trait. This conflict in data from various studies demonstrates the need for more information before a conclusion can be made regarding the effect of heat on food. If you don't have tongs available to you, you can use another utensil, such as a serving spoon or spatula. Use shallow frying to prepare fragile foods that would break apart if deep fried (such as salmon patties, zucchini fritters or pancakes). Blackened bits at the bottom of the pan are often a sign that the food is overcooking. What makes shallow frying so different from typical frying is the amount of oil that is used and how much the oil covers the food items that you are frying. The oil is usually heated to a medium-high temperature to promote quick cooking and browning. Experts generally agree excessive oil in any fried foods can negatively affect the circulatory system, often contributing to heart disease. These are better left for the oven or grill. It is a high-heat process (usually between 160–190°C) promoting browning and, in some cases, a Maillard reaction. Be sure to withdraw your hand quickly once you let go of the food. Lifting the pan from the cooktop can minimize pops and splatters, but don't turn off the heat source until you're done cooking. If the oil is too hot, the food will cook very quickly on the outside and the inside will remain uncooked. It differs from sauteing, in which less oil is used and the food is stirred or moved around constantly. By using The Spruce Eats, you accept our, Crispy Fried Pork Ribs With Thai Marinade, Fried Fish Sandwich With Tartar Sauce and Hand-Cut Chips, Fried Green Tomatoes With Sriracha Mayonnaise for Dip. The site may earn a commission on some products. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.