Deep Frying Tips

The oil must reach a good temperature to brown the exterior of the food quickly while cooking it. That temperature is almost always between 350F and 375F degrees. To be sure the oil is right use a frying thermometer.

Use canola oil for frying. It is low in saturated fat, has a high burning point, and does not detract from the flavor of the food you are frying.

Avoid crowding food that is deep-fat-fried. The food must be surrounded by bubbling oil, and you must keep the temperature from falling too much. If you add too much food to a small amount of oil, the temperature will plummet, and the food will wind up greasy and soggy.

Never fill the pot more than halfway with oil; this will prevent bubbling over when the food is added.

Dry food well with paper towels before adding to the pot; it helps reduce splattering.

Vietnamese Rice-Noodle Salad

Cooked rice noodles are mixed with carrots, cucumbers, mint and Napa cabbage. A sauce made with cilantro, jalapeno peppers, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar is spooned over the noodles and veggies.


Ingredients:

5 cloves garlic
1 cup loosely packed chopped cilantro
1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons vegetarian fish sauce
1 (12 ounce) package dried rice noodles
2 carrots, julienned
1 cucumber, halved lengthwise and chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
4 leaves napa cabbage
1/4 cup unsalted peanuts
4 sprigs fresh mint


Directions:

1. Mince the garlic with the cilantro and the hot pepper. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the lime juice, fish sauce or salt and sugar; stir well. Let the sauce sit for 5 minutes.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rice noodles; boil them for 2 minutes. Drain well. Rinse the noodles with cold water until they have cooled. Let them drain again.

3. Combine the sauce, noodles, carrots, cucumber, mint and Napa cabbage in a large serving bowl. Toss well and serve the salad garnished with the peanuts and mint sprigs.