Cooking for a family, and specifically cooking to stimulate exploration of new flavors and textures, has led to mealtimes that are both healthier and more exciting. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Read Quote
No matter how your breading or batter is constructed, it serves the same function: Adding a layer of ‘stuff’ around the item being fried means the oil has a tough time coming in direct contact with it, and thus has a hard time transferring energy to it. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Read Quote
Frying is essentially a drying process. Batters and breadings are formulated to dry out in a particularly graceful way. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Read Quote
Tempura-style batters were originally brought to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Read Quote
Tempura chefs are sort of like the Jedi of the cooking world: They must deftly perform with the utmost skill and precision, using extremely dangerous tools, all while maintaining a calm, serene demeanor. It is an elegant technique, from a more civilized time. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Read Quote
The key characteristics of a tempura-style batter are extreme lightness of color and texture: Good tempura should be pale blond with an extraordinarily lacy, light, and crisp coating. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Read Quote
In those rare cases in which you have a dull knife and cooking to do, but no ceramic in sight, the top edge of a rolled-down car window will work just as well. Even a smooth stone or slab of concrete outside can work in a pinch. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Read Quote
There are a number of things that can cause your fridge to break down or lose power: electrical shorts or surges, clogged ventilation, et cetera. So it’s possible that even with your temperature dial adjusted to the correct position, your fridge might be far warmer than it should be. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Read Quote
Air is the enemy of most foods and can increase their rate of spoilage. By transferring them to smaller containers, you not only minimize air contact, but you also help keep your fridge organized and easy to navigate. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Read Quote
Symbols have power and meaning and can mean different things to different people at different times and in different contexts. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Read Quote
