7 Tips for Crispy and Fragrant Fried Foods, Try Using These Ingredients

Kapanlagi.com - Who can resist the charm of fried foods? In Indonesia, fried snacks like bakwan, tempe, and tofu have become loyal companions on every dining table. The tempting crispiness and its distinctive aroma always manage to tantalize the taste buds.

However, we often face problems when making fried foods at home. More often than not, the results are either soggy or too oily, diminishing the enjoyment.

But don’t worry! There are several simple tricks you can try to achieve fried foods that are not only crispy but also wonderfully fragrant.

If you want to create the perfect fried snack—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—check out these seven secrets proven by kitchen experts. Let’s learn and prove it ourselves at home! Complete information summarized by Kapanlagi.com, Wednesday (22/1).

1. Choose Quality Oil

Cooking oil is the secret key to creating fried foods that are not only crispy but also tantalizing with an enticing aroma. Choose high-quality oils, such as vegetable oil or coconut oil, and ensure that the oil used is clean and not overly reused to keep the flavor of the fried food fresh.

If you must use used oil, don't forget to strain it first to remove dirt and food residues that could interfere with the deliciousness. Remember to heat the oil to the right temperature before frying; a temperature that is too low will cause the fried food to absorb more oil, while a temperature that is too high could risk burning the food before it is perfectly cooked.

2. Cut Ingredients into Uniform Sizes

Uniform sizes of ingredients are key to creating perfect fried foods! Imagine pieces of carrot or tempeh that are too large, where the inside is still raw while the surface is already burned. To achieve the best results, use a sharp knife or the right cutting tool to get consistent cuts.

The smaller and thinner the pieces, the crispier and more appetizing the fried food will be. Additionally, uniform cuts also ensure efficient cooking time, so your fried foods won't be submerged in oil for too long. Happy cooking!

3. The Right Flour Combination

The choice of flour type plays an important role in creating the perfect texture for fried foods! A combination of wheat flour and rice flour in the right ratio can produce super crispy fried items. For example, for tempe mendoan, it is better to use a thinner batter so that the flour coating is thin and crunchy.

Meanwhile, for bakwan, a slightly thicker batter will make it denser and more appetizing. Don't forget to add a little baking powder to make the batter lighter and fluffier, as well as melted margarine to achieve a crispy texture without worrying about absorbing too much oil. Happy cooking!

4. Add Aromatic Ingredients

Who can resist the tempting aroma of fried foods? The secret lies in a touch of natural ingredients! To create the deliciousness of savory fried items like tempe and tofu, simply add chopped garlic to the hot oil before frying—the aroma produced is guaranteed to whet the appetite.

Meanwhile, for lovers of sweet fried foods, pandan leaves are the perfect choice to impart a natural sweet aroma to fried bananas. The combination of the fragrances from these two ingredients not only stimulates the appetite but also enriches the flavor of every bite!

5. Make Sure Ingredients Are Dry Before Frying

Moisture on frying ingredients can be the main enemy of the desired crispiness! To ensure that your tempeh, tofu, or vegetables remain perfectly crunchy, be sure to dry them well before dipping them into the batter.

Use a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb excess water, so that the oil does not mix with water and the fried texture remains crispy. Additionally, this step also helps prevent excessive oil splatter while frying, making your cooking process safer and more enjoyable!

6. Fry in Small Batches

Frying ingredients in excess can cause the oil temperature to drop sharply, resulting in greasy and uncrispy fried food. To achieve optimal results, make sure to fry in the right portions so that each ingredient has space to cook perfectly.

Choose a sufficiently large pan to maintain the oil temperature during cooking, allowing you to easily monitor the doneness of the fried items and enjoy more appetizing results!

7. Drain Properly

After frying, don't forget to drain the fried items on paper towels or kitchen tissue to absorb the excess tempting oil. Avoid stacking hot fried items, as it can make their texture soft and lose the crunchiness that is so appetizing. It is best to use a wire rack so that air can flow freely, preventing condensation that can ruin the deliciousness.

By doing this, your fried items will stay crispy longer even when cooled. However, if you want to experience the best sensation, enjoy the fried items immediately after cooking to maintain their perfect crunchiness!

8. What is the secret ingredient to make fried foods crispier?

With the perfect blend of all-purpose flour and rice flour, plus a touch of melted margarine, you will achieve a crispy and mouthwatering flavor. This combination is not just an ingredient, but the key to creating a deliciousness that will delight your taste buds!

9. How to maintain oil temperature while frying?

Heat the oil until it reaches the ideal temperature between 170 to 180 degrees Celsius, and remember, do not add too many ingredients at once to keep the fried food crispy and perfect!

10. What makes fried food lose its aroma?

Used oil or ingredients that are no longer fresh can ruin the flavor of fried food, making the aroma less appetizing. To solve this problem, adding garlic or pandan leaves can be an effective solution, providing a tempting fragrant touch and enhancing the enjoyment of your dish!

11. Why do fried foods often absorb oil?

Crispy and delicious fried foods can become a nightmare if the oil is not hot enough or the batter is too runny. In this condition, fried foods will absorb more oil, making them greasy and less appetizing. Ensure the oil temperature is ideal and the batter has the right consistency so that every bite feels perfect!

(kpl/srr)