Fried Chicken > Can can you use cumin on fried chicken
Can You Use Cumin on Fried Chicken?
Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food enjoyed by many. While typically flavored simply with salt and pepper, there are other spices that can really make the flavor pop. One such spice is cumin. Cumin has an earthy, nutty flavor that compliments the crispy chicken coating perfectly. Here’s what you need to know about using cumin to season your fried chicken.
Can You Use Cumin on Fried Chicken?
Yes, cumin is an excellent spice to use when seasoning fried chicken. The earthy, nutty flavor of cumin perfectly complements the crispy, savory coating on fried chicken. When added to the breadcrumb or flour coating, cumin infuses the chicken with warmth and depth of flavor.
For best results, use 1-2 teaspoons of ground cumin per cup of flour or breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to mix the cumin thoroughly to distribute it evenly. You can also amp up the flavor even more by incorporating cumin into a buttermilk fried chicken batter. Simply whisk 1 teaspoon of cumin powder per cup of buttermilk batter along with spices like paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt.
Related post: Can you use cultured buttermilk for fried chicken?
Dunking the chicken in this cumin-spiced batter ensures the meat soaks up all that delicious flavor. The cumin adds an earthy, almost nutty aroma and taste that makes the fried chicken even more crave-worthy. For extra intensity, sprinkle a bit more cumin powder right after taking the chicken out of the hot oil.
Cumin’s unique qualities make it an ideal seasoning for fried chicken. It cuts through the richness of the fried coating and brings another layer of warmth and spice. Whether mixed into the flour, batter, or sprinkled on at the end, cumin is a foolproof way to take your fried chicken from bland to bold and adventurous. The next time you fry up some chicken, reach for the cumin to bring out its full flavor potential.
Enhancing Flavor
Cumin is an incredibly versatile spice that can enhance the flavor of savory dishes, like fried chicken. It has a distinct earthy, almost nutty flavor that brings warmth and depth. When used to season the flour coating or breadcrumb coating of fried chicken, it infuses the chicken with its unique aroma and taste. The cumin adds another layer of flavoring that nicely complements the crispy exterior of the chicken. Just a teaspoon or two mixed into the flour, along with some salt and pepper, is all you need to give your fried chicken an extra kick.
Boosting A Bland Batter
Sometimes fried chicken can come out tasting bland, lacking the robust flavors you’d expect. This is often because the seasoning is only applied to the outside layer of coating. Cumin can come to the rescue and add the punch your fried chicken batter needs. Simply stir in a teaspoon or two of ground cumin into the wet batter along with other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt. Dunking the chicken in this well-seasoned batter before frying infuses the meat with spicy, earthy cumin flavor. It transforms a lackluster fried chicken into a flavorful dish.
How to Use Ground Cumin to Season Fried Chicken
Using ground cumin to season fried chicken is easy. Here are some simple tips:
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- Add 1-2 teaspoons of cumin powder per cup of flour or breadcrumb coating. Mix well to distribute evenly.
- Make a spiced batter by whisking cumin powder (1 tsp per cup of batter) into buttermilk, eggs, hot sauce and other wet ingredients.
- Combine cumin with other spices like chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper to make your own signature fried chicken seasoning blend.
- Sprinkle extra cumin powder onto fried chicken right after taking it out of the oil for an extra punch of flavor.
- Make a quick cumin aioli dipping sauce by mixing cumin powder into mayonnaise.
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With just a small amount of cumin added to your fried chicken batter, coating or sauce, you can give this favorite comfort food a warm, earthy flavor boost.
Fried Chicken Sauce Options
Fried chicken on its own is delicious, but dipping it in a flavorful sauce takes it to the next level. Here are some tantalizing sauces that pair perfectly with cumin-spiced fried chicken:
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- Honey Mustard – The sweet tanginess of honey mustard nicely balances the spices.
- Ranch – Cool, creamy ranch has a natural affinity for fried foods.
- Barbecue Sauce – Sweet, smoky and sticky barbecue sauce is a classic fried chicken pairer.
- Buffalo Sauce – For a kick of heat, hot sauces like Frank’s Redhot are perfect for dunking.
- Blue Cheese Dip – The bold flavor of blue cheese dressing cuts through the richness.
- Maple Syrup – For breakfast-style fried chicken, pure maple syrup adds sweetness.
- Gravy – Chicken gravy made from the fry oil drippings tops fried chicken beautifully.
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With a variety of dipping sauce options, you can take your cumin fried chicken in many flavor directions. From spicy to sweet and savory to tangy, serve your fried chicken with an array of sauces to please all palates.
FAQs
What makes fried chicken taste better?
Fried chicken gets a major boost of flavor when seasoned properly. Using spices like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and chili powder infuse the chicken with aromatic depth. Brining the chicken before frying helps keep it juicy and tender. Creating a flavorful breadcrumb coating with herbs, spices, and grated parmesan also adds taste.
Frying in pure peanut or vegetable oil results in a crispy exterior without greasiness. Finally, tossing the fried chicken in a sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or Louisiana hot sauce adds even more flavor. Taking the time to season, brine, coat, and sauce the chicken pays off with fried chicken that’s moist, crunchy and full of flavor.
What does cumin taste like?
Cumin has a strong, earthy flavor with hints of nuttiness and citrus. It provides a warm, aromatic quality to dishes.
How to season bland fried chicken?
Bland fried chicken can be fixed with a simple mixture of spices and some extra time. First, create a spiced breadcrumb coating with cumin, paprika, dried thyme, salt, pepper, cayenne, and garlic powder for heat. Or inject a spiced butter mixture under the skin before cooking.
To add flavor after frying, toss the chicken pieces in a heated mix of melted butter, hot sauce, black pepper, parsley, and lemon juice. The spiced butter soaks into the already fried chicken. Finally, serve the chicken with flavorful sauces like honey mustard or ranch on the side for dipping.
With the right combination of spices and sauces, you can transform bland fried chicken into a taste sensation.
What are the benefits of using cumin?
Cumin offers several benefits when used in cooking. It has antioxidant properties, aids digestion, provides iron, and has anti-inflammatory effects. Its distinct flavor also enhances the overall taste of savory dishes.
How do you use ground cumin?
Ground cumin is a versatile spice that adds warm, earthy flavor to fried chicken. Use 1-2 teaspoons of ground cumin per cup of flour or breadcrumb coating and mix thoroughly to coat each piece.
For a spiced batter, whisk 1 teaspoon of cumin into each cup of buttermilk along with other spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt before dipping the chicken. Sprinkle more cumin onto the chicken right after frying for concentrated flavor.
Mix cumin with mayonnaise to make a quick aioli dipping sauce. With its nutty, citrusy notes, a little ground cumin goes a long way in adding complexity to fried chicken.
How much cumin do I use with fried chicken?
Start with 1-2 teaspoons of cumin powder per cup of flour or breadcrumb coating. You can also add 1 teaspoon of cumin per cup of buttermilk batter. Adjust amounts to your taste preferences.
What sauces go with fried chicken?
Fried chicken goes great with creamy, tangy sauces that cut through the crispy coating. Classic choices include ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and blue cheese dip. For spicy fried chicken, hot sauces like Frank’s RedHot, Tabasco, and Buffalo work well.
If you want something sweet, real maple syrup or a warm honey-butter mixture are delicious. Country gravy with pan drippings is a satisfying topping too. The possibilities are endless when pairing sauces with fried chicken. The options range from cool and creamy to sweet and sticky – pick your favorite flavor profile to serve alongside the chicken for dunking.
What other spices go well with cumin?
Cumin pairs nicely with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, curry powder, coriander, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Combine with salt and pepper as well.
Should I add cumin to the flour or the batter?
For best results, add cumin to both the flour coating and the buttermilk batter. This doubly infuses the chicken with cumin flavor inside and out. Sprinkle extra cumin on right after frying too.
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