How to fry – Shallow frying as a basic cooking method (2024)

How to fry – Shallow frying as a basic cooking method (1)

Frying is divided into 2 basic categories, shallow and deep.

Τhe basic difference between the two being the quantity of oil. In shallow frying, the oil must cover about 1/3 of the height of the food and not cover it, while in deep frying the food is immersed in the oil. Think of the difference between a schnitzel and a fried potato. In all other respects, the two methods are not that different.

In contrast to sautéing, in frying cooking is achieved from the heat of the oil and not from the immediate contact with the frying pan. For this reason, the selection of the right fat is important.

It is equally important for the fat to be at the right temperature; if it is too hot, the crust will burn and the inside will remain raw, if not hot enough, the crust will not develop properly and the food will absorb too much fat.

Some type of coating is used very often in this method: flour, breadcrumbs or batter. The aim is for fried foods to be crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. The color must be light to dark golden brown.

Foods suitable for shallow frying:

Meat – soft pieces of meat, boneless, tenderized (escalope, schnitzel)

Fish – whole small fish or fillets

Vegetables –cut into identical size pieces


You can see the shallow frying process step-by-step, by clicking on the pictures.

  1. Heat the frying pan with the oil.

    The correct temperature is, perhaps, the most important point of the entire process.

    If the oil is too hot, the food will cook very quickly on the outside and the inside will remain uncooked.

    If the oil’s temperature is too low, the food with absorb a large quantity of oil and produce a greasy final product.

    How to fry – Shallow frying as a basic cooking method (2)

  2. Add the food to the oil carefully and from a short distance to avoid splashing.

    Place the food in the frying pan allowing it to fall away in the opposite direction to you.

    In this way, even if oil splatters it will not come towards you

    How to fry – Shallow frying as a basic cooking method (3)

  3. Do not overfill the pan.

    Add enough quantity so that the frying continues at the same intensity.

    If you overfill the pan, the temperature of the oil will fall and you will experience the same situation described above

    How to fry – Shallow frying as a basic cooking method (4)

  4. Turn as soon as the right crust has formed.

    How to fry – Shallow frying as a basic cooking method (5)

  5. Remove the food as soon as it is ready, allowing it to drain on absorbent paper.

    Make sure the entire surface of the food comes into contact with the paper so that all the excess oil is absorbed.

    How to fry – Shallow frying as a basic cooking method (6)

  6. Season with salt.

    How to fry – Shallow frying as a basic cooking method (7)

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How to fry – Shallow frying as a basic cooking method (8)

How to fry – Shallow frying as a basic cooking method (2024)

FAQs

How to fry – Shallow frying as a basic cooking method? ›

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. It differs from sauteing, in which less oil is used and the food is stirred or moved around constantly.

What is the method of cooking shallow frying? ›

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. It differs from sauteing, in which less oil is used and the food is stirred or moved around constantly.

What does the technique of shallow frying generally use _______? ›

Shallow frying, also known as pan frying, is a technique that involves filling a shallow pan with oil, allowing it to bubble and heat up, and then placing the food in the pan, ensuring that it sizzles as soon as it touches the pan. Shallow frying is a cooking method that uses a lot of heated oil.

What is frying as a method of cooking briefly explain? ›

frying, the cooking of food in hot fats or oils, usually done with a shallow oil bath in a pan over a fire or as so-called deep fat frying, in which the food is completely immersed in a deeper vessel of hot oil.

What are some examples of shallow frying? ›

Shallow frying is a dry-heat cooking method.

Foods are partially immersed in hot fat that rises only half way up the height of the food. Examples of shallow frying are crabcakes, chicken fillets and foods that are commonly breaded.

What are the methods of frying? ›

Sautéing, stir-frying, pan frying, shallow frying, deep frying, and air frying are all standard frying techniques. Pan-frying, sautéing, and stir-frying involve cooking foods in a thin layer of fat on a hot surface, such as a frying pan, griddle, wok, or sautee.

How to fry for beginners? ›

Tips and Tricks
  1. Keep your oil at a consistent temperature around 375°, it is better to err on the side of a bit higher because as you add food the temperature will drop.
  2. Don't overcrowd the pot; try and keep an even surface area of food.
  3. Once the food is golden brown, chances are it is done cooking.
Sep 20, 2021

Why do people shallow fry? ›

Shallow frying is great for thinner items that don't require a ton of oil to crisp, such as breaded cutlets or croutons. It usually requires 1–2 inches of oil in a shallow pan (like a cast iron skillet or sauté pan).

What oil to shallow fry? ›

Best for Shallow Frying and Sautéing

Specifically, the method uses medium-high heat, often less than 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, oils with moderate or high smoke points can be safely used. Some examples include olive, avocado, canola, corn, safflower, sunflower, and grapeseed oil.

Why is shallow frying healthy? ›

Pan frying is a method that requires lower temperatures and incorporates monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, canola oil or avocado oil. This is a healthier alternative since it requires cooking with more nutritious oils at lower temperatures.

What is the 3 step frying process? ›

A 3-stage breading process for pan-frying or deep-frying, begins by dredging the item in wheat flour, dipping in an egg mixture (known as an eggwash), and coating it with bread crumbs. Rice flour or refined starches like cornstarch can be used instead of wheat flour. Eggs are sometimes mixed with milk or water.

What are three frying methods? ›

The ultimate guide to your next fry-up
  • Shallow Frying. ...
  • Deep Frying. ...
  • Triple Cook Frying. ...
  • Stir-Frying. ...
  • Sautéing.

What are the two methods of deep frying? ›

The Methods of Deep Frying

Double Basket Method: This is used for food that tends to float. So that this food will cook evenly, you submerge the food in one basket and weigh it down by placing the other basket on top. Swimming Method: This is used for battered items or food that tends to stick together.

Is shallow frying conduction or convection? ›

Frying food in oil combines convection and conduction. Radiation is involved too. Think of the layer of hot oil in contact with the colder food. Heat is transferred from that layer by conduction, but quickly the two temperatures come to equilibrium.

Is shallow frying convection? ›

Here the food is cooked in fat or oil but enough to cover it. Heat is transferred to the food partially by conduction by contact with the heated pan and partially by the convection currents of the foods.

What type of heat transfer is shallow frying? ›

Radiation
Cooking MethodHeating MethodBrowning?
BoilingConvectionNo
SteamingConvection of steam and condensation of vaporNo
Pan-frying/SautéingConduction of pan and oilYes
Deep FryingConvection of oilYes
3 more rows
Feb 9, 2007

What is shallow and deep frying method? ›

Τhe basic difference between the two being the quantity of oil. In shallow frying, the oil must cover about 1/3 of the height of the food and not cover it, while in deep frying the food is immersed in the oil. Think of the difference between a schnitzel and a fried potato.

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