Shake ‘n Bake is a popular seasoned coating mix made by Kraft Foods that is designed to give breaded foods like chicken and pork chops a crispy, flavorful crust when baked. The original Shake ‘n Bake product was introduced in 1965 and included a packet of dry seasoning mix and crumb coating to be shaken together in a bag for coating meat before baking.
What are the main flavors in Shake ‘n Bake?
The primary flavors in the original Shake ‘n Bake coating mix are:
- Paprika – Provides a savory, slightly spicy and reddish-orange color.
- Mustard – Adds tangy flavor.
- Black pepper – Provides pungent spiciness.
- Garlic powder – Gives an aromatic, savory garlic taste.
- Onion powder – Supplies sweet, cooked onion flavor.
In addition to these main ingredients, Shake ‘n Bake typically contains salt, wheat flour, monosodium glutamate (MSG), maltodextrin, bleached wheat flour, dextrose, extractives of paprika, natural flavors, and spice. The blending of these seasonings and coatings gives Shake ‘n Bake its signature zesty, crunchy texture and taste when baked on meats.
What meat flavors does Shake ‘n Bake work well with?
Here are some of the most common meats that Shake ‘n Bake can add delicious flavor to:
- Chicken – The versatile seasoning blend nicely complements chicken’s mild flavor.
- Pork chops – The savory coating brings out the best in pork’s rich flavor.
- Fish – The crumb coating can provide a crisp, flavorful exterior for fish fillets.
- Turkey cutlets – Shake ‘n Bake enhances the light taste of turkey.
The blend of spices and texture is designed to pair well with white meats like chicken and turkey that have a comparatively delicate natural flavor. The coating helps these meats develop a flavorful, crunchy crust when baked.
What makes Shake ‘n Bake unique?
Some key things that set Shake ‘n Bake apart from other seasoned coatings and breading include:
- All-in-one package – The seasoning and coating are pre-mixed together for convenience.
- Uniform flavor – Carefully blended spices ensure consistent taste.
- Crunchy baked texture – The coated exterior gets crispy when baked vs. fried.
- Adaptable – Can be used on a variety of meats, not just one type.
- Time-saving – Requires minimal prep and bakes quickly.
The simplicity of Shake ‘n Bake has made it a staple seasoning for quick and easy dinners for over 50 years. The crunchy, tangy coating has remained popular for its ability to add lots of flavor with little effort compared to making your own homemade breadcrumbs and spice blends.
How do you use Shake ‘n Bake?
Using Shake ‘n Bake to add flavor to meats is a quick and straightforward process:
- Purchase a box of Shake ‘n Bake seasoning and coating mix. They are often sold in the spice aisle of grocery stores.
- Prepare your meat of choice – thin cuts of chicken, pork or fish work best.
- Pour some Shake ‘n Bake into a resealable plastic bag and add the meat. Seal bag and shake to coat meat evenly.
- Transfer coated meat to a baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray. Discard used coating mix.
- Bake in the oven at 375°F for 20-30 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
- Remove finished baked meats from the oven and serve.
The entire process only takes a few minutes of active prep time. The rest is easy hands-off baking while the coating crisps and seals in juices.
What are some flavor variations?
While the original Shake ‘n Bake has a distinctive and popular flavor, there are some flavored variations that provide additional tastes, including:
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Lemon Pepper | Adds tangy, zesty lemon flavor and black pepper. |
| Spicy | Provides a boost of heat from cayenne and other peppers. |
| Italian Herbs | Features oregano, basil and other Italian spices. |
| Honey BBQ | Combines sweet honey and smoky barbecue sauce flavors. |
These alternately flavored Shake ‘n Bake varieties provide options for those who want to layer on additional tastes. However, the balance of spices like mustard, paprika and garlic powder in the original remains the most popular.
What are some serving suggestions?
Here are some tasty ways to serve up foods coated with Shake ‘n Bake:
- Chicken breasts with rice and roasted vegetables
- Pork chops with apple sauce and green beans
- Baked fish fillets with dill sauce and quinoa
- Turkey cutlets with couscous and brussels sprouts
- Add to tacos, sandwiches, salads or wraps
Shake ‘n Bake coated meats pair well with flavorful sides and sauces. The crispy exterior contrasts nicely with creamy, tangy, or savory accompaniments. Get creative mixing and matching your favorite ingredients!
Conclusion
Shake ‘n Bake delivers standout flavor and crunch by blending salt, pepper, paprika and other coatings into one easy mix. Generations have relied on its simplicity for creating quick baked chicken, pork chops, and other proteins since 1965. While Shake ‘n Bake’s components are no secret, the nostalgic taste remains irresistible over 50 years later!