You ask. We counsel.

Our chef answers your kitchen questions. It’s certainly not easy planning a menu or preparing dishes using this season’s freshest crop of produce. If you need help with a particular recipe, why not post your question to our chef? UBF Foodsolutions has a wide repertoire of experienced chefs who will offer advice and helpful tips.

Q: What must some foods which are to be deep-fried to be coated first? What else can I use other than breadcrumbs?

Here are some suggestion which are suitable as a protective coating:
- beaten egg
- beaten egg and breadcrumbs
- beaten egg and seasoned flour
- beaten egg and oatmeal
- egg, flour and milk batter

Just remember some of the Do's and don'ts for deep frying:

Do's

• Lower the food gently into the hot oil and slide from the side of the work or pan. Dropping will cause splashes and cause burns.  
• Heat the oil to the right temperature before putting the food in so that it starts to cook immediately. If the temperature is too low, excess oil will be absorbed and the crisp and crunchy effect would not be achieved.  
• A frying basket is useful for helping to drain the fat when the food is lifted out.  
• Set aside a plate with a piece of absorbent kitchen paper to drain the food of excess oil when cooked.

Don'ts

• Fill the pan more than halfway with oil or fat or you could risk it running over.  
• Overheat the oil as the outside of the food will cook too quickly and the inside will not cook sufficiently.  
• Do not attempt to extinguish the flames with water. The flames will flare up and it will have disastrous effects.

Q: I like Knorr products and have just bought your Premium Fish Sauce. Have you any recipes or best method of use? Is this a flavouring or can it be used as a fish stock?
Ursula Oltman, California

A: Knorr Premium Fish Sauce is made from high quality ikan bilis, carefully fermented over a long period of time for rich aroma. It is one of the condiments that play a seminal role in Asian cooking. Knorr Fish Sauce enhances many perennial Asian favourites such as Tom Yam soup, Curry Laksa, fried noodles and more.

To use fish sauce, you may sprinkle a few drops before serving or add during cooking. Owing to its concentrated characteristics, use sparingly. It can also be used as a dipping sauce when it is blended with extra flavourings such as finely chopped garlic and chillies, and sugar and lime juice.

If you are looking for a fish-based stock, you may like to try our Knorr Ikan Bilis Seasoning Powder. To make stock, dissolve 20g in 1 litre boiling water.