To coat a food by sprinkling it with or dipping in dry ingredient such as flour bread crumbs?

To dredge a food means to coat it in a dry ingredient, such as flour, breadcrumbs, or cornmeal, by either:

* Sprinkling: This is done by placing the food in a bowl or on a plate and shaking the dry ingredient over it.

* Dipping: This involves dipping the food in a bowl of the dry ingredient, making sure it's completely coated.

Dredging is a common technique used in cooking to:

* Create a crispy outer layer: This is particularly useful for fried foods.

* Add flavor: The dry ingredient can add a variety of flavors to the food.

* Prevent sticking: Dredging can help prevent foods from sticking to the pan during cooking.