What is the first step to take after cutting vegetables and before deep frying chicken?

The first step to take after cutting vegetables and before deep frying chicken is to wash and sanitize utensils and surfaces. This step is crucial for food safety and hygiene. Cutting vegetables can create food debris and potentially introduce pathogens if the surfaces and utensils are not properly sanitized afterward. By washing and sanitizing, you minimize the risk of cross-contamination between the raw vegetables and the chicken or any other foods that will be prepared.

Ensuring a clean workspace helps maintain the integrity of the food being prepared, protects against foodborne illnesses, and aligns with best practices in culinary settings. This foundational step is especially important in environments where the risk of contamination is higher, such as during the preparation of raw proteins.