Why is sauteing beneficial?
I've seen multiple recipes which say to saute onions, peppers, green beans, etc. Why not microwave the food to the temperature you want and then mix it (along with the oil previously used to saute) straight into everything else -- skipping the saute step?
In other words, what does the sauteing accomplish?
Best Answer
The flip answer is that sauteed food will taste good, and the microwaved version you're describing will not.
A more useful answer, however, would consider physics and chemistry. Microwaving excites molecules, resulting in heat, presuming an adequate supply of water molecules to excite. Sauteeing conducts heat from the heat source to the food by way of the pan.
Microwaving falls somewhere between radiant heating (like an oven) and steaming, though the results from conventional methods are generally superior. Sauteeing can transfer enough heat quickly enough that desirable effects like caramelization and similar effects like browning are effected with the help of fats and sugars (often referred to as a Maillard reaction), which produces volatile compounds that are very aromatic and contribute a lot to our perception of flavor. It's exceptionally hard to create the same effects with a microwave.
Pictures about "Why is sauteing beneficial?"
Quick Answer about "Why is sauteing beneficial?"
Sautéing is a useful cooking technique that can be used for a range of foods from vegetables to proteins and is ideal for achieving tasty food in a short amount of time. The fast cook time and relatively low amount of oil used means that sautéed food retains its nutrients and does not lose texture or become mushy.What are the benefits of sautéing?
Benefits of Saut\xe9ing Saut\xe9ing is a relatively quick and easy way to bring out the flavours of a dish. By browning ingredients in a small amount of fat, flavours and colours remain vivid, and is ideal for presentation. Saut\xe9ing is also a great way to retain nutrients, without cooking away the freshness of ingredients.Why is sautéing a healthy cooking method?
Healthy Saut\xe9 is a cooking method that allows you to have the flavor of saut\xe9ed vegetables without using heated oils. Studies have found that exposing oils to high heat can result in the production of oxidized compounds and free radicals detrimental to your health.What are the advantages and disadvantages of sautéing?
Saut\xe9ing have a very high heat and very fewer oils are used. The ingredients are added when the oil heat and have some smoke. Fewer oils are needed because the high heat prevents moisture from being escape and been safer from oil spill and potential cause from the fire.What's the Difference between Stir Fry and Sautée? Broccoli with Garlic, Two Ways
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Ann H, makafood, Anna Tarazevich, Thirdman