The Pitco Passport: Crispy Wonders of Asian Fried Foods

Fried foods hold a universal appeal, transcending cultural boundaries and delighting taste buds worldwide. From street food favorites to gourmet delicacies, frying techniques and dishes vary significantly across the globe.

This series celebrates the rich tapestry of global fried foods, starting with Asia—a continent renowned for its diverse and delectable fried culinary traditions. So, grab your chopsticks, and let’s head to the Far East to see what Asian fried foods are on the menu.

Culinary Journey through Asian Fried Foods

Asia’s culinary landscape is a treasure trove of fried delights. From Japan to the tropical climates to the south, Asian fried food traditions include a wide range of ingredients and meal types. One thing that ties many of them together, though, is the high-quality frying techniques that deliver guest satisfaction.

Japanese Tempura

Though originally brought to Japan by the Portuguese, tempura is a beloved Japanese dish that involves lightly battering and frying seafood and vegetables. The key to perfect tempura lies in its batter—made from cold water, flour, and sometimes egg—and the precise temperature of the oil. The result is a light, crispy coating that complements the natural flavors of the ingredients. To achieve this delicate texture, precise temperature control is essential, making professional-grade fryers like Pitco a valuable tool in replicating authentic tempura in your kitchen.

Chinese Spring Rolls

Chinese spring rolls are thin, crispy pastries filled with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, meat, and sometimes noodles. The key to perfect spring rolls is achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. The frying process requires precise timing and temperature control, both of which are made easier with advanced frying equipment.

Indian Pakoras

Pakoras are a popular Indian snack made by dipping vegetables, chicken, or fish in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep frying them to golden perfection. The spices in the batter, such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, impart a distinct flavor profile unique to Indian cuisine. Consistency in frying temperature is crucial for pakoras to ensure they are crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked inside.

Korean Fried Chicken

Unlike traditional Western fried chicken, Korean Fried Chicken is known for its double-frying technique, which gives it an extra-crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. This method also helps the chicken retain its crunch even when coated in a variety of delicious sauces, such as sweet and spicy gochujang, soy garlic, or honey butter. The batter often includes ingredients like potato starch and rice flour, contributing to its distinctive texture.

Vietnamese Egg Rolls

Vietnamese Egg Rolls (chả giò) typically feature a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, mushrooms, vermicelli noodles, and vegetables like carrots and onions, all wrapped in rice paper. The rice paper creates a lighter, crisper texture compared to wheat-based wrappers. The filling is seasoned with a blend of fish sauce, garlic, and pepper, giving it a distinctive umami flavor. Vietnamese Egg Rolls are deep-fried until golden brown, achieving a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. They are often served with a side of fresh herbs, lettuce, and nuoc cham—a tangy dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili.

Elevate Your Asian Culinary Adventure with Pitco Fryers

Looking to elevate fried food offerings? Pitco fryers provide a perfect solution with precise temperature control and consistent heat distribution. Both are essential for achieving the delicate textures and crispy perfection that define Asian fried dishes. Whether serving tempura, pakoras, or spring rolls, deliver authentic flavors and high-quality dishes to your customers with the help of the right fryer.

Not sure which fryer is the right one? We have a team of frying experts that can help no matter where you’re located. We recognize that each unique foodservice situation requires the right configuration of foodservice equipment, and fryers are no different. That’s why we created an easy-to-use fryer selection to help match up your challenges with potential solutions.

Ready to build a menu of fried Asian foods but aren’t sure which Pitco fryer would work best? Use our product selector tool to find out: