What Does 'Dredge' Mean in Cooking Terms?

When it comes to cooking, there are many terms and techniques that can be confusing for beginners. One term that is often misunderstood is 'dredge.' In this article, we'll explore what dredging means in cooking terms.

Firstly, it's important to understand the difference between creaming butter and sugar and rubbing in. Creaming butter and sugar involves beating the two ingredients together until pale and fluffy. Rubbing in, on the other hand, is when you mix flour and fat (such as butter) together to create a breadcrumb-like texture.

So, what does dredge mean? In cooking terms, 'to dredge' means to lightly coat an ingredient with a dry substance, usually flour or breadcrumbs. This technique is often used before frying or sautéing to help the food brown evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan.

For example, if you're making breaded chicken, you would dredge the chicken pieces in flour before dipping them in beaten eggs and then coating them with breadcrumbs. This helps the breading adhere to the chicken and creates a crispy exterior when fried or baked.

Dredging can also be used to add flavor to ingredients. For instance, if you're making a roasted vegetable dish, you could dredge the vegetables in olive oil and herbs before roasting for added flavor.

In addition to its culinary uses, the term 'dredge' is also sometimes used in other contexts. For example, in geology, a dredge refers to a machine that is used to suck up sediment from the bottom of a body of water. In this context, the word 'dredge' means to remove or excavate material.

In conclusion, dredging is an important technique in cooking that involves lightly coating an ingredient with a dry substance before frying or sautéing. Whether you're making breaded chicken or roasted vegetables, understanding what dredge means will help you to cook more effectively and add flavor to your dishes.

What does dredge mean in cooking terms