Deep Fryer Question

[MJBaldwin]

Alright I just bought one of those 11 quart fish fryers. I plan on using this on my fishing trip up north next weekend for fish/potatoes...

Couple quick questions:

1. How much oil do you typically use in this size fryer? I read right around a gallon works well.

2. What type of oil do you use? I read peanut oil is the best but its also the most expensive. I was thinking of buying 2 gallons so I can change the oil when after using the fish when we go to do potatoes... Just thinking if I could save a couple bucks with corn oil or something like that?

Advice????

[haleysgold]

I get the 2 1/2 gal jugs from Menards. I think it's Shore Lunch Miracle Frying oil.

I only fill my pan about 1/3 so an 11 QT pan would be just under a gallon...1 gallon would be good.

Why change the oil before the potatoes? I guess I don't. I like to fry up onion rings too which somehow "cleans" the oil of any fishy taste.

After using it a couple times, I strain it and I pour it back it in a jug and keep it in the Frig(summer)...root cellar 3 seasons.

[Igor Drackenwolf]

The extra expense of peanut oil is worth it. The flavor is best, and the smoke-point is perfect for deep frying.

[MJBaldwin]

Thanks for the advice guys. If I bought peanut oil and didn't have to use two different batches in order to cook the tats and fish then I wouldn't mind spending the extra money on that. I think that's what I will do..

Hayleysgold: You think a gallon would be good???

[Igor Drackenwolf]

Heck, I've used peanut oil to cook fish, saved it, used it later to cook potatoes, saved it, used it later to cook onions, saved it, and used it later to cook spicy Indian cuisine - then back to fish again.

If you strain the particulate matter out of the oil with cheesecloth or other type of filtration, the flavoring of the oil from one use to the next is subtle, and doesn't overly taint the flavor of food. When the oil begins to darken after repeated uses and filtrations, then the flavoring begins to become more of an issue. But don't be afraid of fishy tasting oil when the oil is relatively fresh.

Some people keep oil on hand just for fish, and separate oil for other deep frying. I haven't found that necessary.

[minnesotathorn]

I was taught to fry a potatoe to clean the oil of the fishy taste. I usually cut one in half & fry it a bit & it seems to make a difference. on new oil this wouldn't be needed. only after a couple of prior uses.

[Igor Drackenwolf]

I wonder if that's why I don't usually have trouble with fishy tasting peanut oil??? Whenever I deep fry fish, I ALWAYS fry up a couple batches of french fries at the end.

[CaptainMusky]

Don't the fries taste fishy? I usually cool the fries first then throw in the fish.

[gunner55]

Just like ID,we use it over(will strain it with cheesecloth also) until the oil gets dark.Buy it by the gallon but not sure of brand or type.Just sure it's not peanut oil though 

[gunner55]

I think we buy whatever brand that's on sale but it's usually Canola Oil

Edited June 12, 2015 by gunner55
added to post