At some point in your life, you have surely been faced with one of the most complicated moments in the kitchen: preparing croquettes. Not only does the dough have to be perfect, but the moment of frying is one of the most important because the moment of putting it in the pan can be very delicate. The croquette can open and you can lose all the filling, thus ruining the work of several hours.
However, the famous chef Karlos Arguinano shared a simple but effective tip it could change the way you cook this classic of Spanish gastronomy.
The key to frying croquettes according to Arguiñano
To achieve certain crispy kibbles on the outside and with the perfectly cooked interior, you definitely have to pay attention to the quantity and temperature of the oil. This “liquid gold” is crucial, and choosing a good extra virgin olive oil or high oleic oil will make a difference in flavor and texture.
But, How can we ensure that our croquettes do not break when frying? That’s where Arguiñano’s advice comes in.
During one of his television shows, “Open Kitchen”, the chef revealed that the key to making croquettes maintain their shape during frying is Immerse them completely in the hot oil. So, heat is distributed evenlycooking them all over and preventing the filling from escaping.
In addition, oil temperature must be accurate: Arguiñano recommends finding him between 170 and 180 degrees Celsius. If the oil is too cold, the kibble will absorb more fat; if it’s too hot, the exterior will burn before the interior is hot enough.
To ensure that the oil is at the right temperature, the chef uses a kitchen thermometerbut it also features a traditional trick that you can apply at home. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can simply throw some bread crumbs into the oil. If they start to bubble, that’s a sign they’re ready to fry.
Another aspect to consider is when you remove the kibble from the oil. Once golden and crispy, it is recommended Arrange them on a plate covered with absorbent paper. This will remove excess oil, prevent them from being greasy and ensure a more pleasant taste experience.
In short, the key to obtaining irresistible kibble lies in the quality of the oil, the right temperature and the method of frying. By following Karlos Arguiñano’s advice, you will be able to enjoy croquettes that will not only taste delicious, but will also maintain their shape and texture.
Whether you choose a classic topping of hamchicken or spinach, attention to these details will make the difference in your cooking.
