'Slurry and Batter' for Coating Products

In the production of fried products, coating with slurry and batter is common. But what exactly distinguishes 'slurry' from 'batter'? This article attempts to explore the differences for the reference of industry colleagues.

Shaped chicken nuggets, tempura blocks, dragon skin shrimp, onion rings, fish skin peanuts, and various fish and shrimp products often require coating. The main purposes of coating are:

- Flavor Enhancement: Various seasonings can be mixed into the batter to enrich the flavor of the food.

- Weight Addition: By adhering flour and other ingredients, the cost of the product can be reduced.

- Coloring: Foods that have been coated and then fried take on a golden hue, or they may be coated with colorful powders, making the food visually appealing.

- Process Requirements: Coating is necessary for certain products to facilitate frying.

The terms 'slurry' and 'batter' are differentiated in the industry based on the viscosity or fluidity of the batter, with no standardized definition. Each company's production and R&D personnel typically rely on their own experience to define these terms.

In actual production, the viscosity of the batter is generally measured using a viscosity cup. Some companies use a 4-cup measurement, while others use a 1-cup measurement, indicating a lack of strict standard.

One common question is: why do fried foods sometimes have a 'shell separation'? This occurs due to insufficient adhesion, primarily caused by inadequate viscosity of the batter. Therefore, whether using slurry or batter in production, attention should be paid to the following points:

1. After mixing, the batter should not be left for too long; it must be used immediately.

2. The mixed batter should be stirred periodically in the mixing machine to prevent separation of water and flour.

3. The optimal usage temperature or adhesion temperature for the batter is between 0°C to 4°C, so it is advisable to add a cooling jacket to the batter mixing machine.

4. The production line speed should be consistent, and the conveyor belt should not jump to ensure no loss of batter.

5. The blowing system of the coating machine should be adjustable to modify the airspeed according to the coating quantity.

For more information, please feel free to contact us.