When you’re going for the buffet, you’re generally planning on getting your money’s worth rather than finding gourmet options (although Chowhound has a solid list of the best buffet in every state). Many of the best buffets are pretty darned good and worth it for more than quality over quantity. They’re no longer just the stuff of Vegas-style cold prime rib that was popular in the ’90s.
But, however upscale the establishment, there are definitely some foods you should avoid at a buffet. Fried foods are at the top of the list of worst buffet offerings. This advice comes from Amie Alexander, registered dietitian at Nutri Peak. Alexander says to avoid buffet fried foods because, as they sit out, their oil can start to undergo oxidation, leading to less-than-tasty flavors. In addition to that excellent reason, fried foods can become over-moist as the oil seeps into the interior from the originally crunchy exterior. Avoiding fried foods isn’t only relevant at the restaurant buffet, but is also applicable for events like potlucks and cookouts. So, what should you choose (and steer clear of) at your favorite restaurant buffet or any other self-serve setup?
What foods to choose (or serve) at a buffet instead of fried options
At a buffet or any other self-serve setup where the food sits out for a while after cooking, grilled or baked meats and other proteins, including fish, will hold their flavor and firm texture better than fried ones. For potatoes, you might go for baked or oven-roasted instead of french fries, which aren’t so palatable when they aren’t fresh. Likewise, try the grilled or roasted veggies instead of fried and battered versions like tempura. They’ll hold up a lot of flavor without the oil from a batter soaking through. That said, fresh fruits and veggies generally taste fresh longer than cooked ones.
Much of this, of course, depends on timing. When at the restaurant buffet, it’s a good idea to watch for when new items come out of the kitchen, so they’re more likely to have been freshly cooked and at peak taste and texture. If you’re set on fried foods, this is a good time to snag them. As a dietitian, however, Amie Alexander cautions that these items tend to be higher in calories and lower in nutrition per bite, since they’re cooked in oil.
If you’re serving your own buffet-style meal at home, this doesn’t mean you can’t offer fried options. To ward off sogginess, move your fried foods from the hot oil right to a wire rack – forgetting this step is a common deep frying mistake. And for reheating, go for about 10 minutes in a hot oven instead of the microwave.
However you enjoy your buffet, just use a little common sense, or rather, your senses. And remember that buffet fried foods aren’t necessarily harmful; they just may not be as tasty as they are when they’re fresh out of the fryer.
