Shallow food refers primarily to food prepared using the shallow frying method. This cooking technique is a dry-heat method where the food is cooked in hot fat.
How Shallow Food is Cooked
According to the reference, in shallow frying:
- Foods are partially immersed in the hot fat.
- The fat rises only half way up the height of the food.
This contrasts with deep frying, where the food is fully submerged in fat.
Examples of Shallow Fried Foods
Foods commonly prepared this way, and thus considered 'shallow food' in the context of this cooking method, include:
- Crabcakes
- Chicken fillets
- Foods that are commonly breaded
These items are typically cooked on one side until golden brown and then flipped to cook the other side, ensuring even cooking despite only partial immersion in the fat.
Shallow frying allows for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist, making it a popular method for various dishes.
