Deep Frying Vegan Chicken: Exploring the Possibilities
Can you deep fry a vegan chicken? Absolutely! The term 'vegan chicken' is a bit of a misnomer, as plant-based alternatives to chicken simply can't be considered animals. However, if you are interested in deep frying them, there are some important considerations to take into account.
Understanding Vegan Chicken
There's no such thing as a 'vegan chicken.' When vegans refer to 'vegan chicken,' they are usually talking about plant-based alternatives crafted to mimic the texture and taste of the real thing. These alternatives are made from a blend of ingredients, most commonly soy and pea protein, and they come in a variety of styles and flavors. They are designed to provide a satisfying and nutritious alternative to the real thing, but they aren't actually animals in any sense.
The finished product often looks and feels a bit like a paste or a dough, which can make it challenging to deep fry directly. However, with some modifications, you can certainly deep fry these plant-based protein strips to achieve a crisp, delicious result.
Deep Frying Recommendations
If you do decide to deep fry your vegan 'chicken,' you might want to think about treating it similarly to a mozzarella stick. This means freezing the strips before coating and frying them. The structural integrity of plant-based protein strips is inherently different from that of animal meat, which is why this freezing step is important.
Freezing the strips before coating will help give them a better shape and texture when they're cooked. Simply coat the frozen strips in your desired breading and then fry them to perfection. This method ensures that the strips hold together and don't fall apart during the deep frying process.
Deep Frying Vegan Chicken Strips
One type of prepared vegan 'chicken' you might find in stores is a pre-fried product. These types of strips are often pre-b breaded and par-fried to maintain their shape. While they are not frozen, you can still achieve the desired results by following the proper cooking instructions on the packaging. However, if you want to do it from scratch, you should experiment with freezing the strips first.
When it comes to plant-based protein patties or strips, you might encounter difficulty in maintaining their shape while deep frying. However, with the right preparation, you can achieve a satisfyingly crispy exterior. For best results, shape your vegan strips before freezing them and then proceed with the deep frying process.
Conclusion
Yes, you can deep fry a vegan chicken. While the term is somewhat misleading, the potential to make it delicious and crunchy is real. Whether you're frozen pre-cooked strips or making them from scratch, the process is manageable with the right techniques and a bit of creativity.