Why Do Cooking Videos Use So Much Oil?

Cooking videos often showcase the generous use of oil, which can be puzzling to some viewers. However, this extensive use of oil serves multiple practical and aesthetic purposes. Let’s delve into why oil is so prevalent in cooking videos and observe some techniques used in cooking, particularly deep-frying.

One of the primary reasons for using a lot of oil in cooking videos is to enhance the flavor of dishes. Different types of oil such as olive oil, sesame oil, or coconut oil can impart unique and delicious tastes, elevating the overall dish to a whole new level of flavor. Additionally, oil plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture. It can make foods crispy, help in browning, and create a rich mouthfeel that contributes to the ultimate cooking experience.

Understanding the Cookery Technique: Deep-Frying

Deep-frying, a cooking method that involves submerging food entirely in oil, is a popular technique in cooking videos. This method is employed to achieve crispiness in items like French fries, onion rings, fried chicken, and chicken strips. Similar to putting a turkey in an oven to cook, deep-frying is a different technique that can produce amazingly tasty results. However, it is important to note that the method used in a video might not always reveal all the secrets behind a particular dish. For instance, in the case of KFC chicken, while the seasoning and coating process might be a mystery, the deep-frying technique involves using pressure cookers, which differs from the method shown in the video.

Observations on Oil Usage in Cooking Videos

For someone like myself, who is a serious and accomplished cook, the amount of oil used in cooking videos does not come as a surprise. Different types of frying, namely shallow and deep-frying, have varying requirements for oil. Shallow frying typically involves using a shallow pan or wok, and the amount of oil can vary depending on the item being fried. For example, stir-frying a few veggies might require just a few teaspoons of oil, whereas Southern fried chicken might require enough oil to half-fill a wide frying pan. Deep-frying, as the name suggests, uses enough oil to completely submerge the food being fried.

Regarding the questions posed about the oil usage in a specific video, the amount of oil used is entirely normal and a necessity for achieving the desired results. However, the type, quality, and cleanliness of the oil do impact the final taste and texture of the dish. Therefore, while the sheer quantity of oil used might not change the taste, the factors mentioned above can make a significant difference.

In conclusion, the extensive use of oil in cooking videos is not just for show but serves practical purposes such as enhancing flavor, achieving the right texture, and ensuring the best visual appeal. Whether it’s deep-frying or any other type of frying, the choice and quality of oil significantly affect the final outcome.