start frying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start frying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving instructions or describing the action of beginning to cook food in hot oil or fat. Example: "Once the oil is hot enough, you can start frying the potatoes until they are golden brown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It was a race against the time to start frying before the pale batter turned an unappetizing dark brown.

The New York Times - Travel

These include letting it come to room temperature before you start frying, dredging it thoroughly and using a clean cooking fat for frying.

The New York Times

If the oil froths around the bread and the bread turns golden, it is ready and you can start frying the baccalà in batches.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sprinkle with cold water, cover with a damp cloth and leave for 30 minutes. 2 Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a large pan over a high heat and start frying the garlic cloves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

5 To make the batter, mix all of the ingredients together, then put the pieces of fish in the batter and set aside while you prepare to start frying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Seriously, I used to be 100 lbs heavier, and would have homies over to just start frying shit while chugging out of a handle.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Elisa's half-brother had gotten this pig, and he slaughtered it right then, and they started frying pork rinds and drinking beer and rum with their friends.

The New York Times - Magazine

"After sweeping and cleaning the place, I switched on the two-plate cooker and I got my new pan, I put the cooking oil, then I chopped the garlic, the onions, the green beans… then I started frying them, bit by bit".

BBC

Before watching this, I didn't think that you were supposed to fry an ostrich egg, but as soon as she actually started frying it, I knew for a fucking fact that you're not supposed to.

Vice

Start by frying up some high-quality pancetta for a taste that's second-to-none.

WikiHow

NEW YORK SUSHI KO John Daley started out frying tempura at Masa and graduated to sushi at 15 East in New York.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start frying", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being fried and that the oil is at the correct temperature to avoid soggy results.

Common error

Avoid "starting frying" with oil that is not hot enough. This leads to food absorbing too much oil, resulting in a greasy and unappetizing outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start frying" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation of a cooking action. It commonly appears in instructional contexts, as seen in Ludwig, where recipes and cooking guides describe the process of frying food.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

28%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Magazine

6%

Food

6%

Travel

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start frying" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the initiation of the frying process. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds its primary use in instructional and descriptive contexts, spanning across various registers from neutral to informal. While "start frying" is suitable for most scenarios, more formal alternatives such as "begin frying" or "commence frying" may be preferred in certain situations. To ensure successful frying, always check the oil temperature before you "start frying".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to fry

Replaces "start" with "begin", offering a more formal alternative.

commence frying

Substitutes "start" with "commence", resulting in a more formal tone.

initiate frying

Replaces "start" with "initiate", providing a slightly more technical feel.

get frying

Uses "get" instead of "start", creating a more casual tone.

begin the frying process

Adds "process" to emphasize the action as a series of steps.

start to deep-fry

Specifies the type of frying being done.

get started frying

Adds "started" to the phrase for emphasis, implying preparation.

proceed to fry

Uses "proceed" instead of "start", suggesting a sequence of actions.

launch into frying

Uses "launch into" to convey a sense of enthusiastic beginning.

set about frying

Uses "set about" instead of "start", implying a deliberate and focused approach.

FAQs

How do I know when to "start frying"?

The best way to know when to "start frying" is to test the oil temperature. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for the specific food you are frying. Alternatively, you can drop a small piece of food into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, it's ready.

What's the difference between "start frying" and "begin frying"?

The difference between "start frying" and "begin frying" is minimal. "Start frying" is slightly more common and casual, while "begin frying" sounds slightly more formal, but they are largely interchangeable.

What oil is best to use when I "start frying"?

The best oil to use when you "start frying" depends on the cooking temperature required. Oils with high smoke points, such as canola, peanut, or vegetable oil, are generally recommended for deep frying. Olive oil is better suited for shallow frying at lower temperatures.

Can I use "start frying" in formal writing?

While "start frying" is acceptable in most contexts, including some formal writing, it may be preferable to use a more formal alternative like "commence frying" or "begin frying" when a higher level of formality is desired.