[ARTIKEL] 24 Apr 2025
Why does oil foam when used for frying?
Have you ever had fun frying chicken or tempeh, and suddenly the oil foams a lot? Makes you panic, right? Don't worry, this is a common problem. But it is also important for us to understand why oil can foam when used for frying.
Usually, oil foams when used for frying occurs due to several factors such as residual water, food ingredients that are still wet, and oil that has been used many times. So, if left to continue, this foamy oil can make the fried food not crispy, or even burnt. Duh, that's a shame, right?
Main Causes of Oil Foaming When Frying
1. Remaining Water in the Pan or Food
One of the most common causes of oil foaming when used for frying is residual water. Water and oil are like mortal enemies—they can't get along. If there is water left in the pan or food that is still wet, when it comes into contact with hot oil, the water will immediately evaporate and create foam.
How to Prevent It
Make sure the pan is completely dry before pouring in the oil.
Dry the food with a kitchen towel before frying.
2. Used oil or one that has been used too often
Oil that has been used many times can experience quality degradation. The color becomes darker, the smell starts to feel strange, and the most visible thing—foam starts to appear when fried. This is due to food residue and flour constantly oxidizing in the oil.
The solution:
Change the oil regularly.
If you want to save money, filter the oil after use so it doesn't spoil quickly.
3. Unstable Oil Temperature
Too hot or too cold can also cause the oil to foam when used for frying. The ideal temperature for frying is usually in the range of 170–190°C. If it's too hot, the food will burn quickly and the oil will foam easily. If it's too cold, the food will actually absorb oil and make the texture soggy.
Tips:
Use an oil thermometer (if you have one).
Or test with wooden chopsticks—if small bubbles appear, the oil is hot enough.
4. There are food ingredients stuck to the oil
Remaining flour, spices, or crumbs from previous frying can stick and burn, then form foam when fried again.
What You Can Do:
Filter the oil regularly.
Use two different woks: one for frying flour, the other for frying regular side dishes.
Negative Impact of Foaming Oil When Used for Frying
Apart from making your fried food less crispy and burn quickly, foaming oil can also affect the taste and aroma. Fried foods taste bitter, very oily, and can even make your stomach uncomfortable if consumed too often.
Not to mention about security. If there is too much foam and the oil is full, it could overflow onto the stove and risk causing a fire. Very scary, right?
Effective Tips for Overcoming Foaming Oil When Used for Frying
1. Dry all ingredients before frying
Use kitchen tissue to absorb water from food ingredients, especially if you have washed chicken, tofu or tempeh.
2. Don't pour oil directly into a wet frying pan
Make sure the pan is completely dry, Sis! This is one of the most important steps so that the oil doesn't immediately foam when used.
3. Use High Quality Oil
Coconut cooking oil such as Mamaco Coconut Cooking Oil has high stability, is heat resistant and lasts longer. Doesn't foam easily even if used many times!
4. Change Oil Periodically
If the oil is cloudy, black, or starts to foam even before the food is added—that's a sign that the oil needs to be replaced.
5. Use Medium Fire
Big fire makes the oil temperature rise quickly, but it is not stable. In the end, foam appears or the fried food burns quickly. It's better to use medium heat so that the temperature is maintained.
Conclusion
Foaming oil when used for frying can make the cooking experience less enjoyable. But don't worry, now you know what the causes are and how to overcome them, right? Starting from making sure the food and pan are dry, keeping the oil temperature stable, to choosing high quality cooking oil, all of this can help you make perfect fried foods without foam.
Use Mamaco Coconut Cooking Oil for the Best Fried Results!
If you want crispy fried food, not greasy, and certainly foam-free, let's switch to Mamaco Coconut Fried Oil! This coconut oil is not only more stable when hot, but also rich in benefits for the body. Perfect for those of you who like to cook for your family at home. Try it, feel the difference Mamaco!