Breading is a basic technique for making crispy breaded dishes, such as chicken, fish or vegetables, and usually requires flour as one of the main ingredients.
However, there are many reasons why you might want to replace flour in breading – from food allergies to special dietary requirements such as gluten-free or simply a desire for variety. Fortunately, there are various flour alternatives that can be successfully used to make delicious and crispy breading.
What can we replace flour with in breading?
Cornstarch instead of flour in breading
One of the most popular alternatives to flour in breading is cornstarch. It is gluten-free and makes the breading particularly light and crispy. It is mainly used to coat meat or fish, often combined with other ingredients such as eggs or breadcrumbs. Cornstarch absorbs a small amount of fat during frying, resulting in a less greasy and crispier crust.
Breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat flour
Breadcrumbs are another excellent flour replacement in breading. Breadcrumbs, which can be made from both white and whole wheat bread, are especially good for a coarser, more textured crust. For even crispier results, you can use panko breadcrumbs, which have larger and lighter crumbs. Breadcrumbs are also gluten-free when used from the right bread, and can be enriched with various spices or cheeses to add an unique flavor to the breading.
Rice flour breading
Rice flour is one of the best alternatives to wheat flour for people trying to avoid gluten. It has a fine texture that creates a smooth and crispy breading. It is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially for making tempura, and pairs well with light foods such as fish and vegetables. Rice flour does not absorb much fat when frying, which makes the dish lighter. In addition, rice flour breading has a mild flavor that does not overpower the main ingredient.
Corn flour breading
If you are looking for an alternative to wheat flour that will add a little more flavor and texture to the breading, corn flour is an excellent choice. It has a golden color and adds a slightly sweet flavor to the breading. Corn flour is ideal for making dishes such as breaded fish or vegetables. Due to its coarse texture, corn flour breading becomes more crispy and appetizing.
Coconut flour
Coconut flour is a great choice for those looking for a gluten-free alternative or simply want to add a little exotic flavor to their breading. It is high in fiber and has a slightly sweet flavor, making it a great choice for breading chicken or fish. Coconut flour requires less fat and is lighter than traditional wheat flour. One of its advantages is that it does not absorb as much oil, making breaded foods healthier.
Almond Flour
For those looking for a low-carb and gluten-free alternative, almond flour is an excellent choice. It adds a rich, nutty flavor to breading and is especially good for breading chicken and pork. Almond flour can be a bit heavier and greasier than other alternatives, but it adds an unique texture and flavor to the finished dish. If you want to achieve a crunchier result, you can combine it with breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
It is also important to know how to bread correctly, as well as how to make breaded foods crispy. Be sure to check out how to make sesame breading or find out what dry breading is.
Comments