Fry: meaning, definitions and examples

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fry

[fraɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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

cook, deep-fry, saute.

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. She decided to fry some eggs for breakfast He fried the chicken until it was golden brown
cook	A general term that applies to preparing food by heating it in various ways such as boiling, baking, frying, or grilling. He loves to cook Italian dishes She cooked a delicious meal for her family
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. She sautéed the onions and garlic until they were fragrant The recipe called for sautéing the mushrooms in olive oil
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. They deep-fried the potatoes to make crispy fries The fish was deep-fried to perfection

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.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

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

grill, sear, sizzle.

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. He decided to fry some eggs for breakfast. They fried the chicken until it was golden brown.
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. The bacon started to sizzle in the pan. You can hear the vegetables sizzle as soon as they hit the hot oil.
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. We grilled some steaks for dinner. She enjoys grilling vegetables during the summer.
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. The chef seared the tuna to lock in the juices. Sear the steak for two minutes on each side.

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.

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 – 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "fry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fritar

🇮🇳 तलना (talna)

🇩🇪 braten

🇮🇩 menggoreng

🇺🇦 смажити

🇵🇱 smażyć

🇯🇵 揚げる (ageru)

🇫🇷 frire

🇪🇸 freír

🇹🇷 kızartmak

🇰🇷 튀기다 (twigida)

🇸🇦 يقلي (yaqli)

🇨🇿 smažit

🇸🇰 pražiť

🇨🇳 油炸 (yóu zhá)

🇸🇮 cvreti

🇮🇸 steikja

🇰🇿 қуыру

🇬🇪 შეწვა (shetshva)

🇦🇿 qızartmaq

🇲🇽 freír

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,507, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11504 cashier
11505 cutaneous
11506 resection
11507 fry
11508 levies
11509 fragmented
11510 palpable
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