How to prep battered feta

Summary

In this video, the chef demonstrates how to properly prepare and deep fry battered feta cheese. He explains the importance of cutting the cheese into thick yet not too thin pieces, ensuring they don’t break apart during cooking. Emphasis is placed on using fresh feta stored under brine to prevent spoilage. The chef also shares tips for avoiding mistakes during prep and how to adjust the cut if needed. With a focus on efficiency, the entire process takes just a few minutes to prepare enough feta for several weeks of use in store.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use firmer feta cheese that doesn't melt easily when frying.
• 😀 Cut the feta into thick, even pieces to prevent it from falling apart in the fryer.
• 😀 Avoid cutting the feta too thin, as it will disintegrate when deep-fried.
• 😀 A sharp knife is crucial for precise cuts to ensure uniform cooking.
• 😀 Store feta cheese in brine to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage.
• 😀 Always check that the feta is fully submerged in brine until ready to use.
• 😀 Cross-contamination should be avoided by ensuring clean surfaces when handling feta.
• 😀 If a mistake is made in cutting the feta, adjust the size or re-cut the pieces.
• 😀 Feta preparation, including cutting, typically takes 4-5 minutes for a full tub.
• 😀 Fry the feta in small batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Q & A

What is the key difference between the battered feta and the regular feta used in this script?

The battered feta used in this script is specifically designed to hold its shape better during frying, as regular feta tends to melt more easily and is less stable when deep-fried.

Why is it important to cut the feta into thick pieces when preparing for frying?

Cutting the feta into thick pieces ensures that the cheese won't disappear or melt away during cooking, maintaining its structure and integrity while frying.

What happens if the feta pieces are cut too small?

If the feta pieces are too small, they will disintegrate or 'disappear' during frying, resulting in only the batter being left, which would not be ideal for serving to customers.

How does the brine affect the feta?

The brine helps preserve the feta by keeping it fresh. If the feta is not kept under brine, it can spoil and go off more quickly.

Why is it important to avoid cross-contamination when preparing feta?

Cross-contamination, such as contamination from greens or other foods, can affect the brine, potentially leading to spoilage or altering the flavor and quality of the feta.

What is the benefit of using a sharp knife when cutting feta?

A sharp knife allows for cleaner cuts, ensuring that the feta pieces are uniform in size and shape, which helps in maintaining their structure during frying.

What should you do if you make a mistake while cutting the feta?

If a mistake is made, the preparation can be easily corrected by adjusting the way the feta is cut. For example, cutting thicker or thinner pieces can be adjusted to ensure the right size.

How long does it take to prepare a whole tub of feta, according to the script?

It takes approximately 4 to 5 minutes to cut a whole tub of feta into pieces, which will last the store for a couple of weeks when kept under brine.

What is the consequence of feta not being kept under brine?

If feta is not kept under brine, it will spoil and likely go off, making it unsuitable for use.

Why is it important to use the feta quickly after cutting and storing it in brine?

Using the feta quickly after cutting and ensuring it's stored in brine is crucial to maintaining its freshness and preventing spoilage, ensuring it remains safe and high-quality for customers.