Why is meat dusted with flour before frying?

Question

Why is meat dusted with flour before frying? When watching recipes on cookery shows some chefs do and some don't. Most recipes for casseroles specify it. Thanks!

Answer 1

To seal in the flavour.

Answer 2

In the case of beef and pork, it helps keep the flavor in. Flour absorbs the escaping juices and holds them to the meat. In poultry, it's ussually to make a crusty coating on the meat. You can mix spices in with it to give your meat more taste.

Answer 3

It helps to seal the meat and keep it juicy, and helps stop the meat sticking to the pan if you are frying it- you don't necessarily need to do it, though.  If you do, season the flour with salt and pepper, you will really notice the difference.  Good luck with your cooking!! :))