Can I cook with fire?
In Japanese restaurants, I always see the chefs doing crazy things with fire, and seeming to make very good grilled vegetables by lighting things on fire. I know most of that is for show, and that the volcano probably doesn't really cook the onions, but Can I light my frying pan on fire next time I'm making a stir fry and get well cooked vegetables?
Of course on the safety side, besides not being stupid with fire, are there other safety concerns I might not expect?
Best Answer
Fire is typically a poor heat source for direct cooking. It fluctuates with every breeze so the heating is very erratic. It also produces a lot of soot which tastes terrible and is bad for you.
When cooking on a campfire much better results are had by cooking next to the coals than above the flame. Cooking with a gas flame is more reliable of course.
A couple direct cooking applications of fire in the kitchen, that I can think of are:
- Flambe: Lighting a sauce which contains a lot of alcohol to burn off some of the raw alcohol taste.
- Roasting: Putting a steaming basket over a gas flame and charring the skin of peppers or eggplant.
- Caramelizing: Using a blowtorch to put a crust on creme brulee or to sear the exterior of a sous vide steak.
I would recommend starting with the blowtorch for several reasons:
- It is harder to burn your house down with a torch than with a pan of flame.
- Blow torches are useful for things outside of the kitchen like stripping paint or starting the grill.
- There is something deeply satisfying about wielding a hissing, blue, knife of fire that appeals to the caveman within.
As for safety. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand. Don't let kids or pets in the kitchen when you are playing with fire. Keep your home owner's insurance current.
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Cooking over an open fire is a way to create fine delicacies, as the flames and embers aid in frying, grilling and boiling. Country Living has put together 39 easy camping dinner ideas that use a campfire.Is it safe to cook over a wood fire?
If you are planning on cooking over a fire, fuel choice is more important than normal. You want to use wood that does not smoke much, give a reasonable heat and burns slowly. Hardwoods such as oak, ash and beech are best for steady heat, as they burn for a long time.Is it healthy to cook on fire?
The detrimental effects of solid fuel cooking don't end at disease. Other consequences include vision impairment, low infant birth weight, and burns and other injuries, especially among children. Gathering fuel to stoke cooking fires presents its own risks as well.Can you burn food in a fire?
Cooking directly over the flame. Unfortunately, placing food directly over an open flame is only guaranteed to do one thing: burn that food. Follow This Tip: Build a fire on one side of your fire bowl, fire pit, or fire ring, and use the other side as a place to move hot coals.What is good to cook on fire?
Potatoes make for a hearty campfire food and are loved by many. This low-maintenance ingredient can be served with almost any protein, at breakfast or dinner. Cheesy roasted potatoes: Dice the potatoes and place them in tin foil with butter. Let them sit over the fire for 35 to 40 minutes.Easy Method for Cooking Some Canned Foods
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