10 Foods That Are Better Fried and 10 We'll Always Prefer Grilled
Do You Agree?
When given the choice of fried or grilled, some foods have us stumped as each preparation has its merits. However, with other foods, there is simply no competition. Although deep-fried foods are best avoided due to their saturated fat content, there are some we have to indulge in from time to time. On the other hand, foods like steak and salmon should never see the inside of a deep-fryer. Here are 10 foods that are better fried and 10 we'll always have grilled.
1. Chicken
From schnitzel to KFC, countless cultures have their own version of deep-fried, breaded chicken. That's because it's so darn good! The chicken stays succulent and juicy encased in its golden-brown, crispy coating.
2. Egg Rolls
If you've never experienced the satisfaction of crunching into a perfectly deep-fried eggroll, go now to your local Chinese restaurant and order a batch. The filling inside doesn't matter so much, it's all about that crispy dough on the outside.
3. Potatoes
Who doesn't love French fries? Whether $30 white truffle fries from a Michelin-starred restaurant or $1 McDonald's fries, they're quite simply one of the greatest simple pleasures of life.
4. Calamari
When given the choice, we don't know a single person who would order calamari grilled. Grilled, they're so often chewy or a bit slimy, but fried, they're a different experience. Kept juicy in their crispy encasings, they're so flavorful and satisfying, especially when dipped in that creamy, tangy sauce.
5. White Fish
Let's face it, white fish is a little bland. That's why breading it and deep frying it is the way to go. Especially if you make that batter very tasty, it imparts the fish with tons of nice flavor.
6. Dumplings
As much as we love steamed dumplings, there's something even more special about having them fried. Their wrappings get beautifully caramelized and slightly crispy in that hot oily pan.
7. Cheese
Cheese is always great, so it's no surprise that it's even better when dipped in batter and deep-fried. Whether it's mozzarella sticks from your local pub or saganaki from your favorite Greek restaurant, you can't go wrong with fried cheese.
8. Churros
Spain and Portugal both claim this pastry of dough piped into hot oil as their own invention. Given how delicious it is, it's easy to see why.
9. Donuts
The origin of donuts can be traced back to Dutch immigrants to the US, but many cultures have similar treats based on fried dough. There are baked versions, but they'll never be as good.
10. Sweet Potato
There's a reason sweet potato fries are served as an "upgrade" to regular fries at diners: it's because they're even better. They're all the crispy, carby goodness of regular fries but with a little natural sweetness that makes them even better,
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Now that we've talked about the foods that shine fried, let's go over the ones that are at their best simply cooked over a flame.
1. Salmon
While white fish is at its best fried, we would never disrespect a salmon by throwing it into a deep-fryer. It's a delicate and flavorful fish that shines when cooked simply on a grill or in an oven.
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2. Steak
We know fried steak is a thing in the South, but we'd prefer it if it wasn't. Almost nothing beats a good quality steak cooked medium-rare on a grill.
3. Burgers
Arguably the best way to cook a burger is flame-grilled. When it's licked by the fire, the meat gets a slight smokiness that can't be beaten by any flat top or cast iron skillet.
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4. Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob, slightly blackened by the flames is a popular street food in many parts of the world. The corn imparts a slight sweetness when slowly cooked to perfection over flames.
5. Carrots
Raw carrots aren't that great. However, carrots grilled in an oven or on a barbecue until they're soft get irresistibly sweet and soft.
6. Pineapple
If you've never tried grilled pineapple, you're missing out. Any hint of tartness is replaced by sweetness and it becomes softer, caramelized, and less stringy.
7. Portobello Mushrooms
We love all mushrooms grilled, but portobellos seem like they were meant to be thrown on the barbecue given their size. They get so juicy and soft, they're almost better than steak.
8. Lamb
Whether chops or leg of lamb, there's no better way to cook it than grilled, not that we've tried frying it. Serve it with a mint sauce or salsa verde to really make the flavors pop.
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9. Sausages
There's a reason cities like New York are lined with hot dog stands: we're all addicted to freshly grilled sausages. When they get that color on the outside and a slight snap when you bite into them, there's almost nothing better.
10. Octopus
Some people are squeamish about the tentacles, but once you get past that, grilled octopus is one of the most delicious seafood out there. We love it when it gets slightly blackened on the outside but remains soft inside.
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