Prep & Assembly
Coat
Cover food evenly in a layer of seasoning, sauce, or batter
Coating covers food in an even layer of flour, batter, crumbs, sauce, or seasoning so every surface is dressed for frying, baking, or serving. Even coverage means even cooking and flavor. Toss or roll the food until fully covered and let any excess fall away.
Coating covers food in an even layer of flour, batter, crumbs, sauce, or seasoning so every surface is dressed for frying, baking, or serving. Even coverage means even cooking and flavor. Toss or roll the food until fully covered and let any excess fall away.
- Difficulty
- Easy
How to do it
- 1
Have the food dry or tacky so the coating clings.
- 2
Roll or toss it through the coating.
- 3
Cover every surface evenly.
- 4
Lift it out and let the excess fall off.
Common uses
Tips & pitfalls
- A dry surface helps dry coatings stick; a tacky one grips crumbs.
- Toss wings and fries in sauce off the heat for an even coat.
- Shake off excess so the coating doesn't clump or burn.
Good to know
- Tool
- Bowl or dish; tongs or hands
- Best for
- Breading, battering, saucing, seasoning
- Cue
- Full, even coverage with no clumps
Also called
coat evenly · cover
Dishes that rely on it
Related
Whisk
Beat ingredients smooth and aerated with a looping wire motion
Sift
Pass dry ingredients through mesh to aerate and remove lumps
Strain
Pour through mesh to separate solids from liquid for a smooth result
Filter
Pass liquid through fine material to clarify out the smallest particles
Rice
Press cooked potatoes through small holes for fluffy, lump-free texture
Mash
Crush soft cooked food into a rustic, creamy purée
Grind
Crush food into a coarse to fine texture, from spices to meat
Grate
Shred food into fine bits against a sharp-toothed surface