Adjust heat if oil starts smoking (smoke = too hot)
If the oil begins to smoke, lower the heat and/or lift the pan to prevent burning.
You want oil very hot, near smoking, but not actively smoking. If you see smoke, back off the heat so you can keep browning without scorching.
The short version
- Near-smoke is hot enough; smoking means too hot.
What goes wrong
Continuing to cook while oil is smoking heavily
Turn down heat and/or lift/move the pan until smoking stops.
Why it works
Smoking indicates oil is overheating, which can create burnt flavors and unstable cooking conditions.
Put it to use
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