Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Special Equipment Needed:
- Deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the deep fryer to 350°F.
2. Place the flour in a shallow dish.
3. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs.
4. In a third shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and pepper.
5. Dip the cheese sticks in the flour, then the egg, and finally the bread crumb mixture.
6. Carefully place the cheese sticks in the preheated deep fryer and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Remove the cheese sticks from the fryer with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 4
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 391
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Protein: 19 g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the mozzarella cheese, you can substitute any type of cheese that melts easily.
- For the all-purpose flour, you can substitute gluten-free flour.
- For the Italian-style bread crumbs, you can substitute panko bread crumbs.
Variations:
- For a spicy version, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture.
- For a cheesy version, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumb mixture.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to preheat the deep fryer to the correct temperature before adding the cheese sticks.
- Fry the cheese sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer.
Storage Instructions:
Store the mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the mozzarella sticks in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the mozzarella sticks with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Garnishes:
Garnish the mozzarella sticks with freshly chopped parsley or basil.
Pairings:
Pair the mozzarella sticks with a crisp white wine or a light beer.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the mozzarella sticks with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the cheese sticks are not browning evenly, try flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the cheese sticks to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Food History:
Mozzarella sticks are believed to have originated in the United States in the late 1970s.
Flavor Profiles:
The mozzarella sticks have a savory, cheesy flavor with a hint of herbs and spices.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the mozzarella sticks as an appetizer or as a snack.
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