I used to skip oil to save cash, but a kitchen mess proved me wrong

Burnt food taught me that some shortcuts aren't worth it.

3 comments

3 Comments

Read an article where a chef said oil is basically a heat conductor, not just for non-stick. That cheap vegetable oil is a tool to cook food evenly and safely. Your burnt pan is proof. Trying to dry fry stuff can make the outside burn before the inside even cooks. It's a basic step for a reason. Saving a few cents isn't worth ruining a whole meal or starting a fire. Just get the cheap stuff but always use some.

nguyen.thomas1mo ago

Chefs can be wrong sometimes. Dry frying works fine for things like searing mushrooms or getting a crust on ground meat. You just need lower heat and a good pan. A little water or the food's own fat is often enough.

paul_patel401mo ago

Seriously, though, does that mean we should worry about smoke points even with cheap oil? Seems like a quick way to set off the alarm.