Deep Fry | Saveur

Fried Cucumbers with Sour Cream Dip

SAVEUR Editors — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 22:42:16 +0000

Photo: Paola + Murray • Food Styling: Barrett Washburne • Prop Styling: Carla Gonzalez-Hart. Photo: Paola + Murray • Food Styling: Barrett Washburne • Prop Styling: Carla Gonzalez-Hart

This appetizer plays with cucumber‘s crunchy appeal by coating slices with a spicy cornmeal crust and frying them up until piping hot. A cool green goddess-style dip squelches the heat.

Yield: 8–12

Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the dip:

1 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp. milk
2 Tbsp. grated yellow onion
1 Tbsp. finely chopped chives
1 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley
1 Tbsp. finely chopped tarragon
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, mashed to a paste with 1 tsp. kosher salt
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the cucumbers:

Vegetable oil
2 cups cornmeal
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. baking powder
1 Tbsp. celery salt
1½ tsp. kosher salt, plus more
1½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1½ tsp. garlic powder
1½ tsp. onion powder
1½ tsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1½ lb. Kirby cucumbers, halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into 3 by ½-in. sticks

Instructions

Make the dip: In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, onion, chives, parsley, tarragon, lemon juice, and garlic. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Cover the bowl and refrigerate.
Fry the cucumbers: Into a large pot fitted with a deep-fry thermometer, pour 2 inches of oil and turn the heat to medium-high. While the oil heats, in a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, celery salt, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne. Add the cucumbers and toss to coat, shaking off any excess. When the temperature reads 375°F, working in batches, add the cucumbers and fry, turning once or twice, until crisp and golden brown, about 2 minutes per batch. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried cucumbers to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with the reserved dip.

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Fried Corn on the Cob

SAVEUR Editors — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 22:39:08 +0000

Photo: Murray Hall • Food Styling: Tyna Hoang. Photo: Murray Hall • Food Styling: Tyna Hoang

Yes, you can deep-fry corn! A quick turn in hot oil yields kernels that are crisp and juicy at the same time. Other than a sprinkle of salt at the end, the ears need no embellishment. We found that super sweet corn—with its high sugar content—fries up best.

Featured in the July/August 2002 issue.

Yield: 4–6

Time: 15 minutes

Vegetable oil
8 ears fresh corn, shucked
Kosher salt

Instructions

Into a large pot fitted with a deep-fry thermometer, pour 2 inches of oil and turn the heat to medium-high. When the temperature reads 365°F, working in batches (do not overcrowd the pot), add the corn and fry until most of the kernels are deep golden, 3–4 minutes per batch.
Transfer the corn to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Season to taste with salt and serve.

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Vada Pav (Indian Potato Fritter Sandwich)

Floyd Cardoz — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 22:47:34 +0000

Matt Taylor-Gross. Matt Taylor-Gross

These starchy sliders are a popular beachside snack in Mumbai. In this vada pav recipe adapted from one served at the late chef Floyd Cardoz’s now-shuttered New York City restaurant, Paowalla, fluffy Goan-style white rolls are filled with a crispy fried potato patty, sweet and hot chutneys, and a garlicky chile-coconut condiment.

Flavorful chutneys are an essential component of Indian cuisine, far from a mere condiment. Cardoz was particularly masterful in how he used homemade chutneys to amplify the flavor of any dish. Three distinct chutneys complement our take on his crispy vada pav—a fresh mint-cilantro version; a crunchy “dry chutney” of toasted garlic, peanuts, and coconut; and a sweet and tangy tamarind chutney laced with cumin and red chile powder.

Yield: 12

Time: 2 hours

8 medium yellow potatoes (4 lb.)
½ cup chopped cilantro
2 Tbsp. mustard oil
2 tsp. cumin seeds
2 tsp. mustard seeds
1½ tsp. ground turmeric, divided
1 tsp. ground coriander
Pinch asafoetida (hing)
12 curry leaves
4–6 green bird’s eye chiles, thinly sliced
1 small onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
Kosher salt
3 cups chickpea flour
1 tsp. baking soda
Vegetable oil, for frying
12 small, soft white rolls, homemade or store-bought
Mint chutney, tamarind chutney, and dry garlic chutney, for serving

Instructions

To a large pot, add the potatoes and enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, 35–40 minutes. Drain, set aside to cool slightly, then use a kitchen towel to remove and discard the skins. Pass the potatoes through a ricer into a medium bowl (alternatively, place the potatoes in a medium bowl and mash gently with a fork), then gently fold in the cilantro.
To a large skillet over high heat, add the mustard oil. When it’s smoking, add the cumin and mustard seeds, and cook until they begin to pop. Stir in 1 teaspoon of the turmeric, the coriander, and the asafoetida, and cook a few seconds more, then add the curry leaves and cook until they blister and turn bright and glossy, 5–10 seconds. Add the chiles and onion, then turn the heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent but not yet browned, 5–7 minutes more. Transfer to the bowl with the potatoes, season to taste with salt, and stir gently to combine, then set aside until cool enough to handle.
Shape the cooled potato mixture into 12 even patties, about 4 ounces each or ½ cup of mixture per patty. Place on a plate and transfer, uncovered, to the freezer to firm slightly.
Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, baking soda, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of turmeric. Season to taste with salt, then whisk in 1½ cups of cool water to make a smooth, thick but pourable batter. Set aside to rest for 15 minutes.
Fry the patties: Into a large heavy-bottomed pot fitted with a deep-fry thermometer, pour the oil to a depth of 2 inches. Remove the potato patties from the freezer and dredge them in the batter to coat. Turn the heat to medium-high and when the temperature reads 350°F, working in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan, carefully drop the patties into the oil. Stir immediately to prevent them from sticking to the pan or each other, then cook, turning once, until evenly golden, crispy, and warmed through, 4–5 minutes per batch. Remove with a spider skimmer or slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet while you finish frying the rest of the patties.
Slice the buns in half, smear the tops with green chutney and place the potato patties on the bottoms. Spread the patties with sweet tamarind chutney and sprinkle generously with dry garlic chutney. Replace the top buns and serve hot.

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Sweet Corn Pakoras

Romy Gill — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 03:57:24 +0000

Belle Morizio. Belle Morizio

Chickpea flour acts as a flavorful binder in these Indian corn fritters from British Indian chef Romy Gill, whose promotion of West Bengali cuisine has earned her status as a Member of the Order of the British Empire. She serves these pakoras to her daughters, and they enjoy them with mint-and-cilantro chutney, or even ketchup on the side.

Featured in “The 2020 Saveur 100: 81-90.”

Yield: 3

Time: 20 minutes

1 cup fresh corn kernels (from 1–2 cobs)
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
1 Tbsp. coarsely chopped cilantro
1 tsp. Indian chile powder
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. cumin seeds
Kosher salt
¾ cup chickpea flour
¼ cup sparkling water
Corn or vegetable oil, for frying
Mint-and-cilantro chutney or ketchup, for serving (optional)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, stir together the corn, onion, cilantro, chile powder, coriander, and cumin, and season to taste with salt. Sift the chickpea flour over the ingredients and toss gently. Add the sparkling water and use your fingers to mix, thoroughly coating the vegetables in the thin batter.
Into a large, heavy-bottomed pot fitted with a deep-fry thermometer, pour the oil to a depth of 1½ inches and turn the heat to medium-high. When the temperature reads 340°F, working in batches, carefully drop the batter by rounded tablespoons into the oil (avoid crowding the pan) and fry until crispy and golden brown, 2–2½ minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
Serve hot, with mint-and-cilantro chutney, if desired.

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Lumpia (Fried Spring Rolls)

Dale Talde — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 22:36:52 +0000

Photo: Linda Pugliese • Food Styling: Mariana Velasquez • Prop Styling: Elvis Maynard. Photo: Linda Pugliese • Food Styling: Mariana Velasquez • Prop Styling: Elvis Maynard

Hot fried lumpia is one of our favorite global interpretations of a spring roll—the wrapper is crispy, the pork filling delicate and yielding. Instead of the standard sweet-sour dipping sauce, Filipino-American chef Dale Talde opts for the condiment he used growing up—sawsawan is a mixture of vinegar and soy sauce spiked with raw garlic and fiery chiles, which he likens to the salt and pepper of Filipino food. Look for dark, salty Filipino-style “toyo” (soy sauce) brands, like Silver Swan or Datu Puti, in your local Asian markets.

Featured in “Dale Talde Would Like to Show You the Manila of the Midwest” by JJ Goode.

Yield: Makes about 2 dozen

Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the rolls:

1 lb. ground pork
½ cup finely chopped carrot
½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tsp. fine salt, plus more for serving
¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
One 14-oz. package 6-in. square spring roll wrappers
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the dipping sauce:

1 cup white vinegar
¼ cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp. sugar
¾ tsp. black peppercorns
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 red bird’s eye chiles, stemmed and thinly sliced

Instructions

Make the rolls: Line a baking sheet with parchment. In a medium bowl, use your hands to combine the pork, carrot, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Position 1 spring roll wrapper in front of you like a diamond (so that a point is facing you), and place 1 tablespoon of the pork mixture on the diamond’s bottom half. Lift the point nearest you and wrap it over the filling. Fold in the east and west corners toward the center, brush the north tip with beaten egg, and continue rolling into a tight cylinder. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. (Save any leftover wrappers or filling for another use.)
Make the dipping sauce: In a small jar, combine the vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, peppercorns, garlic, and chiles. Shake to mix.
Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Into a large heavy pot fitted with a deep-fry thermometer, pour the oil to a depth of 2 inches. Turn the heat to medium-high, and when the temperature reads 350°F, fry the lumpia in batches, turning occasionally, until the wrappers are golden brown and the filling is cooked, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the lumpia to the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt while hot and serve with the dipping sauce.

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Ukoy (Filipino Shrimp Fritters)

Leah Cohen — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 20:26:59 +0000

Photography by Belle Morizio

New York City chef Leah Cohen prepared this crispy, shallow-fried snack for a dinner party with editor-in-chief Kat Craddock. Coarsely grating the sweet potatoes using the grater attachment of a food processor helps this quick and savory Filipino snack come together quickly and easily, making it a perfect starter to fire off “à la minute” for hungry arriving guests. Spiced sukang maasim is a Filipino cane vinegar seasoned with onion, garlic, and chiles. The brand Datu Puti is widely available in Asian grocery stores, but if you can’t find it, it’s also available online. Don’t hesitate to buy a large bottle for this ukoy recipe; the product is inexpensive and delicious on all sorts of other fried foods, or even in a bloody Mary.

Featured in: “Shake Off the Winter Blues with Leah Cohen’s Tropical Seafood Feast,” by Kat Craddock.

¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
1–2 tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1–2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. achuete (annatto seed) powder
2 cups peeled, coarsely grated sweet potatoes
1 cup small, peeled shrimp, plus more for topping
½ cup Chinese chives, sliced in 1-in. lengths
Neutral oil, for frying
Spiced sukang maasim (cane vinegar), for dipping

Instructions

In a large bowl, stir together the cornstarch, flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and the black pepper. Whisk in 1 cup of cool water until smooth, then whisk in the achuete powder until the color is evenly distributed. Add the grated sweet potato, shrimp, and Chinese chives, toss gently to evenly coat in the batter, then set aside.
Line a large baking sheet with paper towels and set it by the stove. To a large deep skillet, add oil to a depth of 1 inch and turn the heat to medium-high. When the oil is hot and shimmering, fill a small saucer evenly with about 3 tablespoons of the sweet potato-shrimp mixture, then top with 2–3 more unbattered shrimp. Gently tilt the saucer to slide the mixture into the hot oil in a tidy pancake shape. Cook until the bottom is crispy and browned, about 3 minutes , then, using a slotted spoon or spider skimmer, flip and continue cooking until evenly browned, crispy, and cooked through, 3–4 minutes more. Transfer the ukoy to the lined baking shee; sprinkle with additional salt if desired. Working in batches, continue cooking the rest of the batter. Serve hot, with sukang maasim for dipping.

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Jalapeño Poppers

SAVEUR Editors — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Belle Morizio. Belle Morizio

The classic jalapeño popper recipe (a whole green chile, filled with cheese then roasted or fried) has roots in the Mexican chile relleno, which goes back to the 1800s or earlier. Indeed, the jalapeño popper’s flavor profile is similar to its ancestral stuffed pepper: the two share a beguiling combination of creaminess and spicy heat.

This recipe is adapted from one which first appeared in the 2012 SAVEUR 100.

Featured in “Bring Back the Jalapeño Popper!.”

Yield: makes 18 poppers

18 medium jalapeños
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, plus more for frying
4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (about 1½ cups)
2 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about ½ cup)
1 oz. finely grated Parmesan cheese (about ½ cup)
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
½ tsp. ground cumin
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
¼ tsp. ground coriander
¼ tsp. paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup plain bread crumbs

Instructions

Position an oven rack 4 inches from the broiler, and preheat the broiler to high; line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Toss together the jalapeños and oil on the prepared baking sheet; broil, turning with tongs, until charred all over, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, in a food processor, blend the cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, cream, mustard, cumin, cayenne, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper to a smooth paste. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the cheese mixture into a piping bag fitted with an ⅛-in. plain tip.
Use a small sharp knife to trim ¼ inch off the bottom of each jalapeño and scrape to remove the seeds and ribs. (For spicier poppers, leave the seeds inside, if you like). Insert the piping bag tip into each pepper and fill with the cheese mixture. Transfer to a plate and refrigerate until the filling is firm, about 1 hour.
To three shallow bowls, add the flour, beaten egg, and bread crumbs; season each bowl with salt and black pepper. Toss each chilled pepper in the flour, shaking off excess, and then dredge in the beaten egg. Toss in the bread crumbs until well-coated, then transfer to a plate set by the stove.
To a large Dutch oven fitted with a deep-frying thermometer, pour the oil to a depth of 2 inches. Turn the heat to medium-high until the temperature reads 330°F. Working in batches, fry the peppers, turning with tongs, until golden brown all over, about 3 minutes per batch. Transfer the peppers to a paper towel-lined plate to cool before serving.

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Take Tonight’s Dessert to the Deep Fryer

SAVEUR Editors — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:41:25 +0000

Photography by Thomas Payne

Fried Almond Pastries (Samsa Feuille de Brick)

Sticky-sweet almond pastries drenched in a syrup of honey and orange flower water are typical of the rustic desserts of Tunisia. Get the recipe for Fried Almond Pastries (Samsa Feuille de Brick) »

New Mexican Sopaipillas

“I remember childhood visits to a restaurant on Albuquerque’s Old Town Plaza. We’d press our noses to the glass as cooks rolled out the dough, cut it into squares or triangles, and plopped them into the vat of hot, bubbling fat, then, that dramatic moment, when the pallid little dough shapes magically inflated and turned golden brown. We’d seize one of the warm puffs of dough, bite off a corner, and drizzle honey into the hollow cavity.” —Cheryl J. Foote, from “Pillows of Bliss” (February 2006) Get the recipe for New Mexican Sopaipillas »

Glacéed Bananas

Inspired by a dessert from Beijing’s China Club restaurant, chef and restaurateur Cecilia Chiang coats fried bananas in a thin, delicate shell of caramel. Get the recipe for Glacéed Bananas »

Syrup-Soaked Pastries with Hazelnuts, Pistachios, and Pine Nuts (Deblah)

Date-Filled Semolina Cookies (Makroud)

Fried Chicken Caramel

Churros con Chocolate Caliente (Mexican Fritters with Hot Chocolate)

Finnish May Day Funnel Cakes (Tippaleipä)

Calas (Fried Rice Fritters)

These sweet fried rice fritters are a traditional New Orleans treat. Get the recipe for Calas (Fried Rice Fritters) »

A classic brioche dough yields an excellent batch of donuts. Here, they’re rolled in cinnamon sugar while still warm and filled with a decadent milk-chocolate ganache. Get the recipe for Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts with Chocolate Filling

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21 Recipes That Prove You Can Deep Fry Anything

SAVEUR Editors — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 22:32:50 +0000

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking of deep-frying every edible item in your kitchen, you’re not alone. We’ve done the research, and we’ve discovered there’s really no food that can’t be improved with a salty, crunchy top layer. There are the solid standbys, like spring rolls and hush puppies. Then there are the sandwiches. Panzerotti, giant raviolis, and mozzarella sandwiches are the perfect way to get a little deep-fry going in your life. You can even fry up your vegetables: From Brussels sprouts and zucchini blossoms to artichokes and cauliflower, nothing is off-limits. So gather up all your favorite foods and get ready to fry.

Deep-Fried Pork Spring Rolls (Lumpia)

Best known in their deep-fried iteration, lumpia often crackle beneath the teeth. But not always; some come wrapped in fresh egg crepes, while others are wrapper-less. Connoisseurs pine for a version made with shrimp, pork, and shredded coconut palm. The freshly fried version is a marvel, the wrapper crisp, the filling’s texture delicate and yielding. Instead of the common sweet-sour dipping sauce, chef Dale Talde opts for the condiment he used growing up—a mixture of vinegar and soy sauce spiked with raw garlic and fiery chiles—which he likens to the salt and pepper of Filipino food. Get the recipe for Deep-Fried Pork Spring Rolls (Lumpia) »

Deep-Fried Indian Bread (Puri)

Scotch Eggs

A hard-boiled egg encased in sausage and bread crumbs and then deep-fried may seem like a product of modern pub culture, but the Scotch egg was invented by London department store Fortnum & Mason in 1738. Get the recipe for Scotch Eggs »

Hush Puppies

These crisp-fried cornmeal balls are traditionally served alongside fried fish and tartar sauce in the Deep South. Get the recipe for Hush Puppies »

Fried Brussels Sprouts

Lemony Fried Cauliflower

In this take on a traditional Sephardic Jewish dish, culupidia frita con limón, cauliflower are coated in a flour and egg batter, fried, and then bathed in lemon juice. As a side or a snack, it’s crunchy, tender, and brimming with fresh, tangy flavor. Get the recipe for Lemony Fried Cauliflower »

Braised and Fried Pork Spareribs

Meaty pork spareribs are rendered tender in a confit of lard, then fried until crisp and dusted with a mixture of hot and sweet paprika in this Hungarian dish. Get the recipe for Braised and Fried Pork Spareribs »

Fried Artichoke Hearts

We found this recipe—a flavorful local favorite, in which tender artichoke bottoms are fried and served with an intense, tahini-based sauce—at al-Az, a casual but well-known restaurant in Damascus. Get the recipe for Fried Artichoke Hearts »

Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Panzerotti

Italian panzerotti are semi-circular pockets of bread that are usually filled with cheese, deep-fried, and eaten hot. SAVEUR intern Suhashini Sarkar first tried these in Milan; her sister has since developed her own recipe that uses a sauce made from fresh tomatoes. It’s reminiscent of pizza, but deep-fried and portable. Get the recipe for Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Panzerotti »

Ginger Cookies Dipped in Honey (Yak Kwa)

Fried Chickpea-Battered Potatoes (Bhajiya)

Fried Stuffed Castelvetrano Olives

Making for a substantial snack, Rosa Pepe stuffs olives with a simple beef and pork filling; then dredges them in breadcrumbs before crisping them up in the deep-fryer. Get the recipe for Fried Stuffed Castelvetrano Olives »

Venetian Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches

Matt Taylor-Gross

Glacéed Bananas

Inspired by a dessert from Beijing’s China Club restaurant, chef and restaurateur Cecilia Chiang coats fried bananas in a thin, delicate shell of caramel. Get the recipe for Glacéed Bananas »

Swiss Fondue Fritters (Malakoffs)

A decadent mixture of Gruyère, garlic, wine, and kirsch is scooped onto bread rounds and fried to perfection—golden and crisp outside, gooey inside. Get the recipe for Swiss Fondue Fritters (Malakoffs) »

Egg-Stuffed Corn Cakes (Arepas de Huevo)

Twice-fried arepas stuffed with soft-cooked eggs are a classic street food in Cartagena, Colombia. Get the recipe for Egg-Stuffed Corn Cakes (Arepas de Huevo) »

Fried Fish Pies (Pastels)

A popular snack along Senegal’s coast where seafood is plentiful, these small fried hand pies are filled with a spicy herb and fish filling. Get the recipe for Fried Fish Pies (Pastels) »

Hawaiian Fried Chicken (Mochiko Chicken with Ponzu)

The chicken for this Japanese homestyle dish is traditionally coated in mochiko, sweet rice flour, before frying, but cooks at Ethel’s Grill in Honolulu, Hawaii, use Japanese potato starch to yield an extra-crispy crust. Get the recipe for Hawaiian Fried Chicken (Mochiko Chicken with Ponzu) »

Broccoli Rabe and Italian Sausage Fried Ravioli

Crab Rangoon

An adaptation of the fried wonton, crab rangoon is one of the most enduringly popular appetizers at the posh Polynesian restaurant chain Trader Vic’s. Get the recipe for Crab Rangoon »

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