Selecting Appropriate Cooking Methods

• What is the definition of sensory qualities?

  The characteristics of a food that give it a particular appearance, flavour, texture, ‘mouthfeel’ (what it feels like, not what it tastes like, when you put it in your mouth) aroma (smell) and sound (some foods are crunchy, crispy or crackly and make a sound when they are cooked or eaten)
• What is the definition of palatibility?

  What makes a food acceptable and good to eat
• Different methods of cooking

  . There are different ways in which food can be cooked

  . Choosing a suitable and appropriate method of cooking for specific foods and recipes is part of the skill and fun of cooking

  . Cooking methods can be categorised under three headings: moist methods (e.g. boiling), methods using oil (e.g. frying), and dry methods (e.g. grilling)
• What is boiling in cooking methods?

  Cooking food in water at 100°C
• What is the primary heat transfer method in boiling?

  Conduction to convection
• Which foods are commonly boiled?

  Eggs, rice, pasta, vegetables
• What is braising in cooking methods?

  Sealing meat in hot fat, then cooking slowly
• What is the primary heat transfer method in braising?

  Conduction to convection
• Which foods are commonly braised?

  Meat, poultry, vegetables
• What is poaching in cooking methods?

  Cooking food in water or wine just under boiling
• What is the primary heat transfer method in poaching?

  Conduction to convection
• Which foods are commonly poached?

  Fish, eggs, fruit
• What is simmering in cooking methods?

  Cooking food just below boiling point
• What is the primary heat transfer method in simmering?

  Conduction to convection
• Which foods are commonly simmered?

  Vegetables, soups, stews
• What is steaming in cooking methods?

  Cooking food in steam from boiling water
• What is the primary heat transfer method in steaming?

  Conduction to convection
• Which foods are commonly steamed?

  Green vegetables, white fish, rice
• What is stewing in cooking methods?

  Cooking food by simmering gently in a covered pot
• What is the primary heat transfer method in stewing?

  Conduction to convection
• Which foods are commonly stewed?

  Meat, poultry, casseroles, fruit
• What are the methods of cooking using moisture?

  • Boiling
  • Braising
  • Poaching
  • Simmering
  • Steaming
  • Stewing
• What is sautéing?

  Frying food gently in a little oil
• What is the purpose of sautéing?

  To soften food and develop flavor
• What foods are typically sautéed?

  • Onions
  • Leeks
  • Peppers
  • Meat/Poultry
  • Vegetables (e.g., celery, carrot, butternut squash, sweet potato, courgette)
• What is shallow frying also known as?

  Pan frying
• What is the method of cooking in shallow frying?

  Frying foods in a shallow frying pan with little oil
• What foods are commonly shallow fried?

  • Eggs
  • Fish (white or oily)
  • Bacon
  • Burgers
  • Sausages
  • Meat cuts (e.g., chops, cutlets, steaks)
  • Pancakes
  • Flat breads
  • Onions
  • Potato slices
  • Fishcakes
  • Potato cakes
  • Rissoles
  • Bananas
• What is stir frying?

  Frying food for a short time in a wok
• How much oil is used in stir frying?

  Very little oil
• What types of food are typically stir fried?

  • Finely cut vegetables (e.g., peppers, onion, mushrooms, courgettes)
  • Pak choi
  • Spring onions
  • Bean sprouts
  • Mangetout
  • Peas
  • Bamboo shoots
  • Root ginger
  • Seafood
  • Meat
  • Poultry
  • Nuts
  • Tofu
• What is roasting?

  Cooking food in oil or fat in a hot oven
• What type of heat transfer occurs in roasting?

  Convection to conduction
• What foods are commonly roasted?

  • Meat and poultry joints
  • Root vegetables (e.g., parsnips, potatoes)
  • Some fruits (e.g., plums)
  • Nuts
• What is deep fat frying?

  Frying food in a deep pan of hot oil
• How is food positioned in deep fat frying?

  Fully immersed in hot oil
• What foods are typically deep fat fried?

  • Fish
  • Scotch eggs
  • Chicken joints and pieces
  • Battered vegetables (tempura)
  • Spring rolls
  • Doughnuts
  • Churros
  • Seafood
  • Fritters (e.g., apple, pineapple, corn)
  • Poppadums
  • Onion bhajis
  • Falafel
  • Potato croquettes
• What is the method of cooking that uses a hot oven?

  Baking
• What type of heat transfer occurs during baking?

  Convection to conduction
• Which foods are commonly baked?

  Cakes, breads, pastries