Deep frying formative assessment

Which of these best describes deep frying?

• Food items are submerged in hot oil or fat

• Food items are placed on a lightly oiled, heated surface

• Food items are placed in a wok

• Food items are placed in a pan of boiling water

Answer explanation

Deep frying is a method of cooking where the food item is placed in hot oil or fat. Shallow frying is a method of cooking where food items are placed on a lightly oiled, heated surface.

What are some reasons why we deep fry food? Choose 3 correct answers.

• Enhances colour

• Develops crispy coating

• Quick method of cookery

• Batter speeds up cooking

Answer explanation

Batter or coatings add flavour and texture. They also help to protect delicate food items. They don't speed up the cooking process - in fact, by creating a protective barrier, they slow down the cooking process in order to ensure even cooking.

What is the name for this North American dish, where dough is fried and covered in sugar and cinnamon?

• Pig's tail

• Elephant ears

• Rabbit teeth

• Bear belly

Answer explanation

Many different cultures have a version of deep fried dough. In traditional Cantonese cuisines, people often have savoury rice porridge with a stick of fried dough!

What are some reasons for coating foods (e.g. in batter, flour dredge, breadcrumbs) before deep frying? Choose 3 answers.

• Crisp texture

• Even cooking

• Prevents loss of nutrients

• Speeds up cooking process

Answer explanation

Coating foods also helps to maintain flavour, protect delicate foods and adds colour for presentation.

What temperature would we want the core temperature of a piece of fried chicken to reach when deep frying?

• 76C

• 24C

• 180C

• 5C

Answer explanation

Meat and fish products are high risk and should reach a miminum core temperature of 76C.

Other foods however can be cooked to 63C so that it is out of the 'danger zone'.

What temperature should the core temperature of a donut be when deep frying?

• 76C

• 63C

• 8C

• 180C

Reorder the following steps of frying chips

• Deep fry in moderate heat (160-165C)

• Drain excess oil

• Cook gently until just cooked but not coloured

• Fry at 185-190C until crisp and lightly golden

• Cut chips and remove excess moisture