How to Fry With Crisco Shortening?
To fry with Crisco Shortening, start by storing the shortening in a cool, dry place away from strong odors, direct sunlight, and sources of heat for optimal freshness.
For frying chicken, it is recommended to maintain a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, ensure the batter sticks to the chicken by following tips like using pre-cut chicken, cutting off the tips of the wings, marinating in buttermilk, and not overcrowding the skillet.
A cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for better heat conduction.
For less oil and calories, the chicken can also be baked at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 50 minutes.
Serve the fried chicken with sides like buttermilk biscuits, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. The use of Crisco shortening in frying was popularized during World War I when there was a shortage of butter and lard.
2. Crisco was the first hydrogenated vegetable oil-based shortening to be produced on a large scale, making it a groundbreaking innovation in the food industry.
3. In 2007, Crisco introduced a version of their shortening with 0 grams of trans fat, responding to the growing concerns about the health effects of trans fat consumption.
4. Crisco shortening can be used beyond frying; it is also a popular ingredient in baked goods, such as pie crusts and biscuits, as it helps create a flaky texture.
5. The name “Crisco” is derived from “crystallized cottonseed oil,” which was one of the main ingredients used in the initial recipe.
Storing Crisco Shortening For Long-Lasting Freshness
When it comes to using Crisco shortening for frying, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Make sure to keep your Crisco oil or shortening in a cool, dry place away from strong odors, direct sunlight, and sources of heat. These factors can not only affect the flavor and quality of the shortening but can also reduce its shelf life.
By storing Crisco oil or shortening in a cool, dry place, you can ensure that it stays fresh and ready to use whenever you need it. This will also prevent any potential spoilage that can occur due to exposure to heat or sunlight. So, make sure to find a storage spot in your pantry or cupboard that meets these criteria.
Using A Butter-Shortening Combination For Flavorful Baking
If you want to elevate the taste of your baked goods, while still benefiting from the use of Crisco shortening, try a simple solution: a combination of half butter and half shortening in your recipes. This mixture not only provides the beloved, rich, buttery flavor, but also maintains the desired texture and moisture that Crisco shortening offers.
Here’s how to achieve this winning combination: replace half of the butter required in your recipe with an equal amount of Crisco shortening. This way, you can have the best of both worlds – the flavorful essence of butter and the high-performance characteristics of Crisco shortening.
To recap:
If you’re looking to enhance the flavor of your baked goods while still enjoying the benefits of using Crisco shortening, try using a combination of half butter and half shortening in your baking recipes.
- This mixture provides both a rich, buttery flavor and desirable texture and moisture.
- Substitute half of the butter in your recipe with an equal amount of Crisco shortening.
Tips For Easy Cleanup When Using Crisco Shortening
When working with sticky substances like honey, mustards, or syrups, it’s essential to make cleanup as easy as possible. To do this, consider coating your measuring tools with a no-stick spray before using them to measure sticky ingredients. This simple trick will help prevent these substances from sticking to your measuring cups or spoons, making cleanup a breeze.
By coating your measuring tools with a no-stick spray, you’ll save time and effort in the kitchen. No more scraping or scrubbing sticky residue off your measuring utensils. So, the next time you’re working with honey, mustard, syrup, or any other sticky ingredient, don’t forget to give your measuring tools a quick spray. Your future self will thank you.
- Coat your measuring tools with a no-stick spray before measuring sticky substances
- Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier
- Saves time and effort in the kitchen
“Don’t forget to give your measuring tools a quick spray.”
Recipe And Tips For Frying Chicken With Crisco Shortening
Frying chicken may seem daunting, but with the right technique and high-quality shortening like Crisco, you can achieve crispy fried chicken at home. Here are some tips to make your fried chicken experience a success:
- Gather your ingredients: chicken pieces (preferably pre-cut), all-purpose flour, salt and pepper, spices (optional), and Crisco shortening.
- Before coating the chicken, prep it properly by cutting off the wing tips and ensuring it’s at room temperature for even cooking.
- For a crispy skin, consider adding cornstarch to the flour for extra crunch.
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk before coating it in flour to add moisture and flavor.
- Maintain a frying temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit for even cooking and a golden crust.
- Avoid placing the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crispiness.
Remember, using Crisco shortening and implementing these tips will help you create delicious and crispy fried chicken in your own kitchen.
Key Tips For Crispy Fried Chicken With Crisco Shortening
To achieve crispy fried chicken with Crisco shortening, pay attention to these key tips:
- Ensure the chicken is at room temperature before frying to achieve even cooking.
- Add cornstarch to the flour mixture for an extra crispy skin.
- If possible, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for enhanced moisture and flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying to prevent uneven cooking and less crispy chicken.
- Opt for a real cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven for improved heat conduction and even frying.
“By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying beautifully crispy fried chicken with the help of Crisco shortening.”
Baking And Storage Options For Healthier Fried Chicken
While fried chicken is undeniably delicious, it’s understandable to want a healthier alternative from time to time. Luckily, there are baking options available that can still give you a crispy and satisfying result with fewer calories and less oil.
To bake your fried chicken, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and continue baking for another 25 minutes.
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 1 minute, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
By baking your chicken instead of frying it, you’ll significantly reduce the amount of oil and calories consumed. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly from traditional fried chicken. Nevertheless, it’s still a delicious and healthier alternative.
When it comes to storing fried chicken, it’s important to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any potential bacterial growth. Fried chicken can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days before becoming less enjoyable.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to start frying or baking your own crispy and delicious chicken using Crisco shortening. Whether you choose to indulge in the classic fried version or opt for a healthier baked alternative, don’t forget to serve it with some traditional accompaniments like buttermilk biscuits, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes.
Remember, cooking should be a pleasurable experience, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your culinary adventure with Crisco shortening and savor the crispy goodness of homemade fried chicken or healthier baked alternatives!
- Baking your fried chicken reduces oil and calories consumption.
- Storage tip: Keep fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Serve with traditional accompaniments like buttermilk biscuits, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Crisco instead of oil to fry?
Yes, Crisco can be used as a substitute for oil when frying. Crisco is a brand of shortening, which is solidified vegetable oil. When used for cooking or frying, you can melt Crisco in the pan before adding the ingredients, making it a suitable alternative to oil. Its high melting point makes it resilient to high temperatures, making it a great option for frying savory dishes like stir-fries. So go ahead and fry with Crisco for a satisfying and delicious result!
Is frying with Crisco healthy?
Frying with Crisco is not considered a healthy option due to its high content of trans fats. These trans fats have been associated with various health risks, particularly cardiovascular diseases. The chemical structure of trans fats is not easily recognized by our bodies, leading to the creation of harmful free radicals. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for healthier cooking oils when considering frying methods.
How many times can you fry with Crisco?
Based on the provided information, the reusability of Crisco oil depends on the type of food being fried. For breaded and battered foods, it is recommended to reuse the oil three or four times to maintain the quality of the frying. However, when it comes to cleaner-frying items like potato chips, the oil can be reused at least eight times, possibly even longer if supplemented with fresh oil. By following these guidelines, one can enjoy multiple rounds of frying with Crisco while maintaining the desired crispy results.
Is it safe to fry chicken in Crisco?
Yes, it is safe to fry chicken in Crisco. Crisco is a popular brand of vegetable shortening that has been used for frying for many years. When heated to the appropriate temperature, it provides a high smoke point, which means it can withstand the heat without breaking down and compromising the taste and texture of the fried chicken. Just make sure to follow the recommended instructions for temperature and cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and comes out crispy and delicious.