You may be familiar with deep frying and how delicious the results can be. While some prefer the taste of fried snails or worms, today we will discuss the proper way to fry a fish. First, you will need to select the right fish. Smaller fish should be cooked on the stove top while larger fish should be used in a restaurant-type setting. Next, make sure that you have all the necessary equipment to properly fry your fish.
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Deep Fryer
A deep fryer is a large, deep pot with a spout at the top. When you place your fish in the pot, the liquid is able to permeate the entire body, ensuring even heating throughout the fish. The majority of deep fryers come with a thermostat dial that allows you to adjust the heat level depending on how done you wish your fish to be. These types of fryers are generally best for larger fish because if the liquid is absorbed too quickly, the fish could become undercooked. Most people use their deep fryers for a variety of purposes, from cooking vegetables to making fried chicken. You can also purchase frozen foods and heat them up in your fryer, saving you the time and effort of having to cook your food from scratch.
Stove Top
If you are an avid home cook, you may be extremely familiar with the stove top and how easy it is to use. A stove top is simply a large pot that is placed on top of the stove to heat up the food that you are cooking. The majority of stove tops come with a thermostat that allows you to adjust the heat level according to what you need. While this type of heating preserves more of the nutrients than frying in oil, it is not the most versatile of devices since you cannot use them to cook certain types of food. You may need to look elsewhere for your needs.
Salting
If you are cooking a fresh fish, it is a good idea to salt it first so that the fish takes on a briny flavor. You may either use table salt or sea salt. When salting the fish, make sure that you take into account the weight of the fish. For instance, a 3-pound fish should be salted for at least an hour before cooking. After the hour has passed, rinse the salt off of the fish and dry it thoroughly before setting the temperature for cooking.
Rinsing
To rinse the fish, simply place it in a strainer and run cold water over it for a minute or two. This rinses off any excess salt and completely cleans the fish, allowing you to prepare it for cooking. Some people prefer to use a paper towel to dry seafood after rinsing it in case there is still some moisture left on the surface. If you do not have a dish towel available, you can use a clean cloth or napkin to dry the fish.
Some people like their fish extra crispy while others prefer it softer. If you are using a stove top or a conventional oven to prepare your fish, the best way to achieve the desired texture is by using the proper method of deep frying. If you are using a deep fryer, make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instruction manual to learn how to use your appliance correctly. Otherwise, you may end up with some unappetizing results.
When choosing a fish for frying, you should consider the type of food that you will serve afterwards. Some fish are better for baking or grilling, while others are better when fried. Regardless of which type of preparation you choose, your fish will be cooked to perfection thanks to your own labor of love.