dredge

Definition

To lightly coat food in flour, breadcrumbs, or cornmeal before cooking, creating a delicious crispy exterior. The gateway drug to fried food perfection.

Example Usage

Dredge the chicken cutlets in seasoned flour before pan-frying.

Origin

Middle English 'dreg' or Old English 'drecgan,' related to 'drag'

Fun Fact

The classic breading procedure follows the 'flour, egg, breadcrumb' sequence, but the initial dredge in flour helps the egg wash stick better.

Source: Basic culinary technique terminology

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