Fry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ณ
fry
[fraษช ]
Definitions
cooking
Fry refers to the cooking method of food by submerging it in hot oil or fat. It is a popular method for preparing foods such as French fries, fried chicken, and fried fish.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fry |
Used when cooking food in a small amount of hot oil or fat, typically in a pan. This can apply to meats, vegetables, or eggs.
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| cook |
A general term that applies to preparing food by heating it in various ways such as boiling, baking, frying, or grilling.
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| saute |
Means cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium-high heat. This is often used for vegetables, meats, or seafood that need a quick cooking method while preserving their texture and flavor.
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| deep-fry |
Refers to cooking food by immersing it completely in hot oil, resulting in a crispy outer layer. This method is often used for items like french fries, doughnuts, and fried chicken. It is typically considered unhealthy if consumed frequently.
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Examples of usage
- The chef will fry the potatoes until they are golden brown.
- My mom likes to fry the chicken in a cast iron skillet.
- You can fry the fish in vegetable oil for a healthier option.
informal
To fry can also mean to cook something quickly at high heat, often in a pan with oil or butter. It is commonly used in the context of cooking eggs or bacon.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fry |
Used when cooking food in hot oil or fat, often in a pan. This method is common for preparing foods quickly and achieving a crisp texture.
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| sizzle |
Describes the sound that food makes when it is being cooked at a high temperature, usually in a pan. Often used to evoke the sensory experience of cooking.
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| grill |
Applies to cooking food on a grill or barbecue, typically over direct heat or an open flame. It's ideal for imparting a smoky flavor and creating grill marks.
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| sear |
Related to quickly cooking the surface of food at a high temperature in a small amount of fat, often used to create a flavorful crust. This method is common for meats.
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Examples of usage
- I like to fry my eggs sunny-side up.
- She fries bacon for breakfast every morning.
- He fried the vegetables in a wok for dinner.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Techniques
- Frying can be done in different ways, such as deep frying, pan frying, or stir frying, each giving unique textures and flavors.
- The temperature of the oil is crucial โ too low, and food absorbs too much oil; too high, and it can burn quickly.
- Using a tempura batter can create a light and crispy coating when frying vegetables or seafood.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, fried foods are often associated with celebrations and comfort food, from fried chicken in the USA to churros in Spain.
- Street food around the world frequently features fried items, showcasing local spices and cooking styles.
Health Aspects
- Fried foods can be enjoyable but are often high in calories and fats, leading to discussions about moderation in diets.
- Air frying has become popular as a healthier alternative that simulates frying with significantly less oil.
History
- Frying is an ancient cooking method, with evidence of frying food found as far back as the 4th century BCE in ancient Greece.
- The process was revolutionized during the Industrial Revolution, when cooking oils became more accessible and frying methods improved.
Science of Cooking
- The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives fried food its brown color and rich flavor.
- Frying causes the surface of food to cook quickly, forming a crisp layer that helps retain moisture inside, keeping it juicy.
Origin of 'fry'
The word 'fry' originated from the Old English word 'frฤosan', meaning 'to fry' or 'to roast'. The cooking method of frying has been used for centuries as a way to cook food quickly and add a crispy texture. Over time, frying has become a popular cooking technique around the world, with various cultures incorporating it into their cuisines.
See also: frying.