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Breading for fried foods is a coating made from ingredients like flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, used to create a crispy outer layer on items like chicken, fish, or vegetables before frying. It's a technique found in cuisines worldwide, from American fried chicken to Japanese tonkatsu and Italian schnitzel.
Breading is typically high in carbohydrates from the flour and breadcrumbs, and adds significant fat from the frying oil, with a modest amount of protein from the egg and any meat inside. A standard serving can range from 200 to 400 calories, depending on the thickness of the coating and the food being fried.
The breading process creates a textural contrast that seals in moisture, making it a culinary technique celebrated for turning simple ingredients into indulgent comfort foods across many cultures.