How to Use Crisco Shortening for Frying?
To use Crisco shortening for frying chicken, start by preheating your skillet or deep fryer to the recommended temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
For a crispier result, consider adding cornstarch to the flour coating mixture.
Before frying, marinate the chicken in buttermilk, ideally overnight, for extra tenderness and flavor.
When frying, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can lead to soggy skin and uneven cooking.
It is important to check the internal temperature of the cooked chicken, ensuring it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
To achieve a healthier alternative, you can also bake the chicken in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 25-30 minutes.
Remember to store any leftover fried chicken in the refrigerator and reheat it within 2-3 days for optimal quality.
Serve your deliciously fried chicken with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Did you know that Crisco shortening was originally created as a soap product before it was marketed as a cooking ingredient? It was initially produced and sold by Procter & Gamble in 1911 as “Procter’s Soap” before rebranding it as Crisco shortening in 1912.
2. While Crisco is commonly associated with frying, it can also be used as a substitute for butter or oil in baking recipes. By using Crisco instead of butter, you can create lighter and fluffier baked goods, especially in recipes that call for creaming the fat.
3. Crisco, known for its versatility in the kitchen, can also be used for non-culinary purposes. It can act as a lubricant, removing stubborn rings from fingers or even helping to loosen a stuck zipper.
4. In a surprising turn of events, Crisco played a major role in a historical scientific hoax known as the “Piltdown Man.” In the 20th century, the fossilized remains of Piltdown Man were believed to be a significant discovery in evolutionary science. However, it was later revealed that the bones were forged using a mixture of clay, bone fragments, and, you guessed it, Crisco!
5. If you’re ever in dire need of a makeshift candle, Crisco can come to the rescue! Due to its high-fat content, Crisco shortening can be used as a makeshift candle by soaking a piece of string or shoelace in it and lighting it. Just be cautious and make sure to place the makeshift candle on a stable and non-flammable surface.
How to Use Crisco Shortening for Frying
Crisco shortening is a versatile and popular ingredient that can be used for frying chicken to perfection. Whether you prefer skillet-frying or deep-frying, Crisco shortening can help you achieve crispy and delicious results every time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Crisco shortening for frying chicken:
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First, gather all the necessary ingredients for the fried chicken recipe. This typically includes chicken pieces, Crisco shortening, flour, spices, and optionally, buttermilk for marinating the chicken.
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Next, prepare the chicken by coating it in the flour mixture. You can add additional spices to the flour to enhance the flavor. To achieve extra crispy skin, consider mixing in cornstarch with the flour.
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If you choose to marinate the chicken, place it in a bowl with buttermilk and let it soak overnight in the refrigerator. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
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When you’re ready to fry the chicken, heat the Crisco shortening in a skillet or Dutch oven. It is recommended to use a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven for better heat conductivity.
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To test if the oil is hot enough, you can drop a small amount of flour into the skillet. If it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
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Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy and ensure even cooking.
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Cook until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on both sides, turning as needed. The internal temperature of the cooked chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is safe to eat.
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After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil. It is recommended to avoid using paper towel-lined plates, as they can make the chicken lose its crispness.
Tips for Crispy Fried Chicken with Crisco
To achieve the perfect crispy fried chicken using Crisco shortening, here are some helpful tips:
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Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The recommended temperature for cooked chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important for food safety.
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Ensure the batter or flour mixture sticks to the chicken by patting the pieces dry before coating them. Excess moisture can cause the coating to fall off during frying.
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For time-saving, use pre-cut chicken pieces. If desired, you can cut off the tips of the wings at the last joint for a neater presentation.
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Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before frying. This helps ensure even cooking throughout the meat.
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To enhance the crispiness of the chicken skin, consider adding cornstarch to the flour mixture. This helps create a light and crunchy coating.
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For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight. This not only adds a tangy taste but also helps tenderize the meat.
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Avoid overcrowding the skillet or Dutch oven while frying. This can result in uneven cooking and soggy skin. Fry the chicken in batches if needed.
Internal Temperature for Cooked Chicken
It is essential to cook chicken to the right internal temperature to ensure it is safe to eat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will kill any harmful bacteria and ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure accurate temperature measurement. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. Once the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is safe to eat.
It is important to note that the internal temperature continues to rise a few degrees while the chicken rests. Therefore, it is advisable to remove the chicken from the heat when it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to rest for a few minutes before checking the temperature again.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate temperature measurement.
- Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Chicken continues to cook while resting, so remove it from heat at 160 degrees Fahrenheit before checking the temperature again.
“Using a meat thermometer and following the recommended internal temperature guidelines is crucial for ensuring the safety and proper cooking of chicken.”
Baking Time and Temperature for Healthier Alternative
The Importance of Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. It offers numerous benefits that help improve both physical and mental fitness. By engaging in regular physical activity, individuals can effectively manage their weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, increase energy levels, and boost mood and mental clarity.
- Regular exercise helps manage weight by burning calories and building muscle mass.
- It reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
- Physical activity improves cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and improving blood circulation.
- Regular exercise increases energy levels by enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues.
- Engaging in exercise releases endorphins, which promote feelings of happiness and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Exercise also improves cognitive function and enhances mental clarity.
To summarize, regular exercise is essential for maintaining good overall health. By incorporating physical activity into our daily routine, we can reap the benefits of improved physical fitness and mental well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fry in Crisco shortening?
Yes, Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening is indeed suitable for frying. Its high smoke point makes it a great choice for deep frying various foods, ensuring a crisp and delicious outcome. The versatile nature of Crisco makes it a go-to option in the kitchen, whether you’re baking a batch of cookies or creating a crispy and golden fried dish.
Can you use Crisco instead of oil to fry?
Yes, you can certainly use Crisco instead of oil to fry. Being a solidified vegetable oil, Crisco serves as a suitable alternative for frying savory dishes like stir-fries as it melts in the pan, creating a desirable cooking base for your ingredients. Its ability to withstand high temperatures makes it a reliable choice for achieving that crispy and flavorful outcome you desire.
Is it better to fry chicken in Crisco or oil?
When it comes to frying chicken, the choice between Crisco or oil ultimately depends on personal preference. While traditionalists favor lard for its rich flavor, Crisco has gained popularity among modern cooks. On the other hand, vegetable oil offers a healthier alternative. An interesting technique to enhance the taste involves combining unsaturated cooking oil with a few spoons of bacon fat. Regardless of the chosen fat, it is crucial to ensure that the amount used is sufficient to reach halfway up the chicken for optimal frying result.
How many times can you fry with Crisco?
When it comes to frying with Crisco, the number of times you can reuse the oil depends on the type of food you are frying. If you are frying breaded and battered foods, such as chicken nuggets or onion rings, it is recommended to reuse the oil three or four times. However, if you are frying cleaner-frying items like potato chips, you can safely reuse the oil at least eight times, and possibly even longer if you add some fresh oil occasionally. So, the exact number of times you can fry with Crisco varies based on the type of food, but it is important to keep an eye on the oil’s quality and replenish it as needed.