How to Bread Meat so the Breading Won't Fall Off
Whether you’re frying up chicken, pork, or steak, the crispy outer breading adds a satisfying crunch, attractive coloring, and delicious taste to your meal. However, sometimes that breading can begin to flake off while cutting into it, forcing your customers to eat the breading separate from the meat. In order to keep your delicious dishes whole throughout the entire meal, here are step-by-step instructions on how to bread meat so the breading won’t fall off. You can follow along with the video below.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Your Choice of Meat
- Milk or Buttermilk
- Flour
- Assorted Seasonings
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg Wash
Step by Step Instructions for Breading Meat
-
1.
Season the meat with salt and pepper.
2.
Soak the meat in buttermilk. You can also use milk or a seasoned milk mixture. Let it sit for at least a half hour.
-
3.
Season your flour using spices like paprika, thyme, salt, mustard powder, parmesan cheese, or other ingredients of your choosing.
4.
Remove the meat from the milk mixture and thoroughly coat it in the seasoned flour.
-
5.
Place the meat on a tray, cover, and put it in the refrigerator for one hour. This is extremely important as it allows the flour to become sticky and attach to the meat.
6.
Prepare the breading in a shallow dish.
-
7.
First, coat the meat in egg wash. Then, thoroughly coat the meat with breading.
8.
Gently lay the breaded meat in your pan. Be sure not to overcrowd.
-
9.
Use your probe thermometer to keep track of the temperatures of the meat and oil. Turn your meat over when it's browned.
10.
When your food is done cooking, remove it from the oil and set it on clean, dry paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
-
11.
Serve for your customers to enjoy!
When it comes to breading meat, most breading procedures are basically the same. But taking the extra time to soak your meat in buttermilk and let the flour set will ensure that your breading is fully adhered for the perfect breaded pork chops or breaded chicken. This creates a final result that is crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle, and altogether irresistible.
Related Resources

Best Oil to Fry Fish
Thanks to its neutral flavor, affordable price, and high smoke point, canola oil is the most popular oil for frying fish. Peanut, cottonseed, and coconut oil are also great fish frying oils. Keep reading to discover the benefits of each oil you can use to fry fish. We also offer fish frying tips, so you can cook your fish fillets to perfection every time. Shop All Fryer Oil Best Oil for Deep Frying Fish To help you select the best oil for your fish fry, discover the top oils for deep frying fish, their smoke points, and their benefits below: 1. Canola Oil Canola oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, canola oil is a comparatively healthful choice for frying fish. It is also relatively affordable. Canola Oil Smoke Point: 400 degrees Fahrenheit 2. Peanut Oil Peanut oil is affordable, and it has a neutral flavor that won't affect the flavor of your fish. It also prevents flavor transfer. Unfortunately, peanut oil contains one of the big 8 food allergens, which limits the number of guests who can enjoy your fried fish. Peanut Oil Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit 3. Cottonseed Oil Cottonseed oil has a high smoke point. It's also affordable, making it an excellent option for establishments that are frying in bulk and need to stock up on oil. Cottonseed Oil Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit 4. Coconut Oil Coconut oil is the healthiest option for deep frying your fish. It has a neutral taste and reduces flavor transfer between batches. However, coconut oil is a less economical choice. Coconut Oil Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit Oil for Frying Fish The type of oil that you deep fry your fish in impacts how it fries, its taste, and its texture, so it's important that you choose the right oil for the task. Here are three major things you need to consider when choosing oil for frying fish: The Smoke Point - The smoke point is the temperature when oil starts to break down and become unusable. When deep frying fish, you want to use an oil that has a high smoke point so you can fry the fish at a high temperature. The Flavor - Fish is delicate, so you want to choose an oil with a neutral flavor that won't overpower the fish. Flavor Transfer - If you're frying different types of seafood (or other foods) simultaneously, you must prevent the flavors from transferring. Best Fish to Fry Not every type of fish is suitable for deep frying. When choosing a fish to deep fry, look for an option that has a neutral flavor and isn't too oily. Typically, neutral flavored, white-fleshed, and lean fish are best for frying. Freshwater fish such as bass, trout, and catfish are excellent choices. Avoid dense and oily tuna, salmon, and sea bass. Here are some of the best types of fish to fry: Tilapia Catfish Striped Bass Trout Cod Perch Shrimp Halibut Oysters Frying Fish FAQ Now that you know the best oil to deep fry fish with and which type of fish you should fry, you’re ready to prepare your own fish fry. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions chefs encounter when frying fish. Oil Temp for Frying Fish Your fish frying oil temperature should range between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The fish needs to reach a safe internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit before it is finished frying. How Long to Fry Fish As a general rule, you should deep fry small batches of fish for 3 to 6 minutes. You must adjust the time based on the type of fish you’re deep frying; you will need to fry your fish fillets longer than your oysters. How long you fry fish also depends on the temperature of your oil. How to Fry Fish with Flour and Egg Use our fried fish taco recipe to learn how to fry fish with flour and egg. It’s a simple process of creating a batter, dipping the fish into the batter, adding the fish to your fryer unit, frying it until it turns a beautiful, golden brown, and then cooling it on a parchment-lined rack. How to Make Egg Wash for Frying Fish Follow these simple steps to make an egg wash for frying 1 pound of fish: Crack 3 eggs into a bowl Add six tablespoons of whole milk Beat to combine the milk and eggs Deep Fried Fish Temperature Deep fry your fish at temperatures between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is above 380 degrees Fahrenheit, it will scorch the fish. If it's below 360 degrees Fahrenheit, the batter may absorb too much oil, creating a greasy mouthfeel. How to Prep Fish for Frying Prep fish for frying by following these simple steps: Brine the fish Create an egg wash Season the fish Dip the fish in the egg wash Dredge the fish in flour Flour or Egg First When Frying Fish? Coat fish in an egg wash first, then dredge it in flour. The egg wash will help the flour stick to the fish. Coating fish in egg and flour before frying it creates a crispy outer crust around the delicate, flakey protein. This flour shell also helps contain the protein’s juices and adds rich flavor. What to Soak Fish in before Frying Soaking fish in a 6 percent salt brine before frying it firms the fish, causing it to hold up better in the fryer. The salt in the brine enhances the flavor and keeps the meat from drying out. Selecting the right oil can ensure flavors don't transfer, the fish doesn't become greasy, and the seafood’s natural taste isn’t overpowered. Use our guide to analyze every factor that affects how your fish fries, including the best oils for frying fish, how to prepare fish for frying, and the best fish to fry.

Oil for Deep Frying
You can find fried foods on the menus from all kinds of establishments. Whether you own a burger place, an Italian restaurant, or you want to try frying a turkey as a holiday special, knowing what oil to use in your fryer and how to maintain it is key for producing high-quality fried foods. In this article, we will tell you how to select the best deep fryer oil, how often you should change it, how to filter fryer oil, and even how to dispose of your oil once it becomes unusable. Shop All Fryer Oil Filtration Accessories Click any of the topics below to read the section that interests you: Best Frying Oils Specific Oils for Popular Fried Foods How to Choose the Best Oil Changing Deep Fryer Oil Cleaning and Filtering Fryer Oil Disposing Deep Fryer Oil Best Oil for Frying Due to its high smoke point, vegetable oil is the best oil for deep frying. Canola oil and peanut oil are other popular options. While vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are the most popular oils for deep frying, there are several other oil options you can choose: Grapeseed Oil Soybean Oil Lard Corn Oil Cottonseed Oil Healthiest Oil for Frying The healthiest oil to fry with is olive oil. Another great option is avocado oil. These oils are high in monosaturated fats, which is considered to be a healthy fat in comparison to polyunsaturated fats. Peanut Oil for Frying Peanut oil is low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. As a result, it is a healthier alternative to other frying fats like shortening and lard. Although it is made from peanuts, not all peanut oil is considered an allergen. Highly refined peanut oil is safe for many people with peanut allergies, while cold-pressed, expelled, and extruded peanut oils are considered allergens. Vegetable Oil for Frying Vegetable oil is an ideal oil for frying because it is a great all-purpose oil and can be used for deep-frying, pan-frying, or sauteeing. Vegetable oils are not all the same as some are made up of 100% soybean, while other vegetable oil blends are made of a mix of soybean, sunflower, corn, and more. Since it contains different blends, vegetable oil’s smoke point can range from 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. Canola Oil for Frying Canola oil is a lower-fat alternative to shortening and lard, and it is more affordable than many other cooking oils. Plus, it is easily accessible, making it a popular selection for kitchens everywhere. Corn Oil for Frying Corn oil makes an excellent oil for deep frying thanks to its high smoke point of around 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Corn oil is a type of vegetable oil that has a dark yellow color and neutral taste. Since corn is so abundant, corn oil is an inexpensive frying oil option. Best Oil for Pan Frying Olive oil is the best oil to use for pan-frying. Coconut oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, and butter are also great oils for pan-frying. Back to Top Best Oil Choice by Foods Below are the best oils to use when frying these popular foods to deep fry: Best Oil to Fry Chicken The best oils to fry chicken are vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil. Their high smoke points and neutral tastes make these oils best for frying chicken. Best Oil for French Fries The best oil to fry french fries is a neutral-tasting oil, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils also have a high smoke point, which is ideal for making sure your oil doesn't burn too quickly. Best Oil for Frying Potatoes The best oil for frying different types of potatoes is a neutral tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as corn oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Best Oil for Frying Shrimp The best oil for frying shrimp is peanut oil. Peanut oil gives shrimp a delicious, rich flavor, while also having a high smoke point which is ideal for frying. Back to Top How to Choose the Best Oil for Deep Frying If you’re unsure of what kind of oil to use in your deep fryer, there are two main factors to consider: smoke point and taste. Oil’s smoke point is the temperature at which the oil starts to break down while it is heated. At this temperature, the oil will start to smoke before it eventually catches fire with increased temperature. When oil begins to smoke, it starts to taste “off” and loses much of its nutritional value. How Can Oil’s Taste Affect Food in a Deep Fryer? Because deep frying requires your food to be submerged in oil for its entire cooking process, using oil with a strong taste can impact the flavor of the food you’re frying. For example, olive oil is often recognized for its distinctive taste that is desirable in dishes like pasta or as a dressing for salads. However, its robust flavor may not pair well with many traditional fried foods. Why Vegetable Oil, Peanut Oil, and Canola Oil Are the Best for Deep Frying Vegetable oil, peanut oil, and canola oil are ideal for use in deep fryers because of their high smoke points. With vegetable oil's smoke point ranging from 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit, peanut oil’s smoke point at 450 degrees Fahrenheit and canola oil’s at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, these three oils can remain stable throughout your frying process. Most frying occurs between the temperatures of 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so you must use oil with a smoke point of at least 400 degrees to avoid contaminating the taste of your food and putting yourself at risk of injury. Vegetable, peanut, and canola oils' neutral taste also make them excellent candidates for deep frying. Is Canola Oil Better Than Vegetable Oil? Canola oil is thought to be a better frying oil than vegetable oil. While they have the same smoke point range, canola oil has a more neutral taste than vegetable oil and is also considered to be the healthier option of the two. Back to Top How Often Should I Change the Oil in My Deep Fryer? How long you can keep oil in your deep fryer depends on what you’ve been frying and how often, the quality of the oil, and how clean your fryer is. While there is no one-time limit that applies to all situations, it is simple to know when to change your deep fryer oil. When to Change Fryer Oil Change the oil in your deep fryer when: It smokes at lower temperatures than usual Darkens in color Begins to smell off-putting Becomes thickened and foamy at the surface These are all signs that your oil is breaking down and is no longer usable. This being said, do not wait for all of these signs to change your oil. Any one of these changes can make your oil difficult or unsafe to work with, so it is best to keep your oil fresh. Can I Leave Oil in My Deep Fryer? While it is best to store oil outside of your fryer when it is not in use for long periods of time, you can leave oil in your deep fryer for short periods. That being said, it is important to first filter the oil to ensure that any food debris does not spoil while in the fryer. Additionally, you should always keep your fryer covered and cool when it is not in use because light and heat are two of the major factors in oil spoiling. Ideally, you should store your oil in a cool, dark place. Storing filtered oil in an airtight container that does not let in light can help extend the life of your oil and save you money. Back to Top How to Clean and Filter Deep Fryer Oil Before you can clean and filter your deep fryer oil, you must make sure that the oil is cool. Hot or warm oil could put you at risk for burns and could damage your filtering equipment. Once your oil is cool, use a skimmer to remove any floating food debris from the oil’s surface. How to Filter a Small Batch of Deep Fryer Oil Drape cheesecloth over a chinois. This will help to remove small bits of food debris. Position your chinois over a funnel and storage container. Make sure that the container is large enough to catch all of the filtered oil. Pour the oil slowly through the cheesecloth and chinois. Now your oil is clean and ready for re-use. How to Filter a Large Batch of Deep Fryer Oil If you have a larger batch of oil to filter, you may want to consider investing in a fryer oil filtration system. In many cases, these machines will remove the oil from your fryer, filter it, and then return the oil to the fryer. Manual fryer oil filtration machines save energy because they are powered by hand. Electric fryer oil filtration systems power the transfer and filtration process with electricity and are more efficient. Back to Top How to Dispose of Deep Fryer Oil To properly dispose of used cooking oil from your deep fryer, pour your oil into a sealable bag and put it in the trash. Always check your bags for rips or punctures before transferring the oil, because even a slow leak could create a mess in your trash bin or dumpster. Alternatively, you can find disposal centers that recycle the cooking oil. Some areas have organizations that collect oil for recycling, and they may even pay you for your contributions. If this is not available in your area, you can look into oil collection services for restaurants. These organizations will come to your business and take away your oil for you. Can You Pour Oil Down the Drain? No. While it may be tempting to dump your cooking oil down the drain, disposing of your oil this way could be against your local ordinances. Never pour deep fryer oil down your drain, even with hot water. The fat particles in your oil may solidify and block your pipes, causing major problems with your plumbing system. Back to Top While deep fryers are great for cooking an array of popular concession stand foods, choosing the right oil and knowing how to maintain it can be tricky. If you have fryers in your commercial kitchen, you know the importance of keeping the oil fresh and clean, so your food can come out as well as possible. When your oil changes color, odor, or becomes foamy, be sure to filter it. If filtering no longer returns your oil to usable condition, put it in a sealed bag in the trash. Now that you know how to select, filter, and dispose of your deep fryer oil, you can confidently serve high-quality fried foods.

How to Deep Fry a Turkey
Deep frying a turkey is a delicious and flavorful way to prepare this classic holiday centerpiece. The process involves immersing a whole turkey in hot oil, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown skin and tender, juicy meat. While deep frying may seem intimidating, with the right equipment and precautions, it can be a safe and rewarding way to prepare a turkey. We'll walk you through the process of frying a whole turkey so you can add a new cooking method to your arsenal. Shop Outdoor Fryers Deep Fried Turkey Ready to get started? Check out our video to learn how to deep fry a turkey with a turkey fryer kit: <iframe scrolling="no" src="/v/?num=3679&width=600&height=500&embed=1" frameborder="0" height="500" width="600"></iframe> How Long Does it Take to Deep Fry a Turkey? Generally, it is recommended to deep fry a turkey for about 3 1/2 to 4 minutes per pound. So, for example, if you have a 15-pound turkey, it would take approximately 52 to 60 minutes to cook it through. However, it's important to note that this is just a rough estimate and you should always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. One of the main benefits of deep frying a turkey is the speed at which it cooks. Unlike traditional roasting methods that can take several hours, deep frying can produce a fully cooked turkey in just a fraction of the time. This is especially helpful when you have a large group of hungry guests eagerly awaiting their holiday feast. Check out these general cook times for deep frying a whole turkey: 10 pounds - 35 to 40 minutes 12 pounds - 42 to 48 minutes 14 pounds - 49 to 56 minutes 16 pounds - 56 to 64 minutes 18 pounds - 63 to 72 minutes 20 pounds - 70 to 80 minutes What Special Equipment Do I Need? Before you get started, you'll need to gather the following materials: Turkey, completely defrosted with giblets removed Frying oil Dry rub or marinade Turkey fryer, which should include a stock pot, rack, stand, propane tank, skewers, probe thermometer, and injector Paper towels Kitchen shears Oil thermometer Gloves, goggles, long-sleeved clothing Fire extinguisher Learn more about choosing the right oil in our turkey fryer oil resource. Deep Fried Turkey Recipe Follow our step-by-step instructions to deep fry a whole turkey. Make sure to read all safety recommendations included in your turkey fryer manual. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency. 1.Set up the turkey fryer kit and turn on the burner, but keep the flame low. Fill the cooking pot with the correct amount of oil and place it on the burner. Now, turn up the flame to start heating the oil. 2.Attach an oil thermometer to the side of the pot and preheat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Submerge the tip of the thermometer but don't let it touch the wall of the pot. 3.While the oil is preheating, start prepping the turkey. Pat down the fully defrosted bird with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. 4.Using kitchen shears, remove excess fat and cut slits in the front of each leg. 5.Using dry rub, marinade, or a combination of both, add seasonings to the turkey. You can also try injecting the turkey with marinade to lock in the flavor. 6.Place the turkey on the lifter and attach the hook. Remove the thermometer from the fryer before lowering the turkey into the pot. Re-attach the thermometer to the pot once the turkey is lowered in. 7.Put on safety gloves, apron, and goggles. Lower the turkey inch-by-inch into the pot, making sure to go very slowly. You should be going so slow that it will take about a minute to get the bird fully inserted into the oil. This will help to prevent boil-over or splashing. 8.Once the turkey is fully submerged, deep fry it for about 3 1/2 to 4 minutes per pound. 9.Slowly remove the turkey from the fryer, letting any extra oil drain from the cavity. 10.Check the temperature of the turkey using a probe thermometer. Its internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. When you’re finished, place the turkey in a pan or on paper towels. Just like you would rest a steak, rest the cooked turkey for 20-45 minutes to ensure it reabsorbs its juices. Check out our turkey carving tutorial to learn how to cut up your fried turkey the easiest way. Turkey Fryer Safety Tips Without the right preparation, deep frying a turkey does come with potential hazards. Follow our safety suggestions to help prevent fires, combustion, and oil spills. Completely Thaw the Turkey - If the turkey isn't completely thawed, the oil could boil over and start a fire. Always defrost the turkey using a food-safe method. Remove all giblets and drain the cavity before frying. If water or slush is left behind, the oil may bubble or splash when the turkey is placed in the pot. Don't Stuff the Turkey - Stuffing a turkey before cooking has the potential to cause cross-contamination. Set Up the Fryer in a Safe Place - Always make sure the fryer is on a flat surface that’s far from any flammable objects, such as wood decks, trees, and buildings. Check the Internal Temperature - The internal temperature of a fried turkey must be a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Handle the Fryer Oil Safely - Adding too much oil to your fryer can lead to spillovers. Also, choose an oil with a high smoke point so that it doesn't overheat. Wear PPE - Wear protective clothing, including gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved shirts. Deep Frying a Turkey FAQ Below we go through some of the most common questions that arise when deep frying a turkey. How Long Does It Take to Deep Fry a Turkey? The general rule of thumb for deep frying a turkey is to cook it for 3 1/2 - 4 minutes per pound. How Long Do You Deep Fry a 20 lb. Turkey? Since turkeys should be deep fried for 3 1/2 - 4 minutes per pound, a 20 lb. turkey will take 70 to 80 minutes to cook all the way through. What Is the Right Temperature for Deep Frying a Turkey? For a deep fried turkey, the oil should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and the internal temperature of your turkey should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Where Should You Check a Turkey's Temperature? The best place to check the temperature of a turkey is in the meatiest part of the thigh. This is one of the thickest parts of the turkey and also cooks slowly. If this portion of the thigh is at the right temperature, then the rest of the turkey will be as well. Deep frying a turkey offers several benefits that make it a popular cooking method. It's a quick process that results in a turkey that is incredibly moist and flavorful, with a crispy and golden brown skin. Deep frying allows for a versatile cooking experience, because you can experiment with different flavors and seasonings to create a unique and delicious turkey.