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Who doesn’t love a crumb-ried chicken or a crispy batter crumb fish? One of the primary appeals of crumb-fried foods is their crispy exterior. The coating, whether it's made from breadcrumbs, flour, or other alternatives, becomes golden and crunchy when fried, providing a satisfying contrast to the tender interior of the food. The coating used in crumb-fried foods is often seasoned with a variety of herbs, spices, and flavourings. This seasoning not only enhances the taste of the coating itself but also infuses the entire dish with delicious flavours as it fries.
Also Read: 5 Crunchy Treats To Make With Bread Crumbs
Despite being fried, crumb-coated foods often retain moisture well. This is because the coating forms a barrier that helps seal in juices, preventing the food from becoming dry or overcooked during frying.
However, if you’re looking for a gluten-free coating, breadcrumb is not an option. You can consider corn, oat, almond flour or something a bit more creative, like for instance potato flakes which helps the coating stick evenly and ensures that it forms a crispy crust when fried.
You can also combine different gluten-free alternatives. For example, chickpea flour can be combined with other gluten-free flour such as rice flour or cornmeal to adjust the texture and flavour of the coating. Here are some other great substitutes for crumb-fried coating that are free from gluten.
Almond Flour
Almond flour is a versatile gluten-free option made from finely ground almonds. It adds a delightful nutty flavour and a satisfying crunch to your fried dishes, because of its slightly sweet undertones, almond flour pairs well with both savoury and sweet flavours. When using almond flour as a coating, you can enhance its flavour by incorporating spices and seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Almond flour adheres well to proteins and vegetables when combined with a binding agent like beaten eggs or a dairy-free alternative such as almond milk. This ensures that the coating stays intact during frying, resulting in a crisp and golden exterior.
Additionally, for an extra layer of texture and flavour, you can mix almond flour with crushed almonds or almond meals. This adds more crunch and enhances the overall nuttiness of the coating.
Coconut Flour
Coconut flour is derived from dried coconut meat and offers a unique tropical twist to fried coatings. It imparts a subtle sweetness and a delicate coconut flavour. To create a flavorful coating with coconut flour, consider incorporating spices and seasonings such as curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and salt. These ingredients complement the natural sweetness of coconut flour while adding depth and complexity to the flavour profile.
Similar to almond flour, coconut flour requires a binding agent to adhere to the ingredients being coated. You can use egg wash or a non-dairy milk alternative like coconut milk for this purpose.
Toasting coconut flour before using it in your coating mixture can intensify its flavour and improve its texture. Simply spread the coconut flour on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven at a low temperature until it turns golden brown. Allow it to cool before incorporating it into your recipe.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal is a classic gluten-free option that has been used for centuries in various cuisines around the world. It lends a satisfying crunch and a slightly gritty texture to fried foods, making it an ideal choice for crumb coatings. Made from ground-dried corn, cornmeal can be seasoned with a wide range of spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. Common additions include chilli powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt, which impart bold flavours and a hint of heat to the coating.
When coating your ingredients with cornmeal, it's essential to ensure proper adhesion by using a binding agent such as buttermilk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk. This helps the coating adhere evenly and creates a crispy exterior when fried. For a finer texture, you can blend cornmeal in a food processor or coffee grinder before using it in your coating mixture.
Rice Flour
Rice flour is a light and delicate gluten-free alternative that creates a crispy coating for fried dishes. Made from finely ground rice grains, it has a neutral flavour profile that allows other ingredients to shine.
When using rice flour as a coating, you can enhance its flavour by incorporating herbs and spices such as thyme, oregano, basil, and onion powder. These additions infuse the coating with aromatic notes and savoury undertones. Rice flour forms a thin and airy coating when fried, resulting in a light and crispy texture that complements a variety of ingredients. It's especially well-suited for delicate proteins like fish and seafood, as it allows their natural flavours to remain prominent.
To ensure even coverage and adhesion, lightly coat your ingredients with rice flour before dipping them in a binding agent such as beaten eggs or a mixture of water and cornstarch. This helps the coating adhere firmly and creates a uniform golden crust when fried.
Quinoa Flakes
A smart gluten-free coating for snacks is quinoa flakes which offer a nutritious and gluten-free alternative for crumb coatings, adding both texture and flavor to fried dishes. Made from flattened quinoa grains, they have a nutty taste and a light, crispy texture when fried.
To create a coating with quinoa flakes, you can season them with a variety of spices and herbs such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the coating, enhancing its overall taste. Quinoa flakes adhere well to ingredients when combined with a binding agent such as beaten eggs or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk. This helps the coating stick evenly and ensures that it forms a crispy crust when fried.
Additionally, you can mix quinoa flakes with other gluten-free flours such as rice flour or almond flour to vary the texture and flavor of the coating. This allows you to customize the coating according to your preferences and dietary needs.
Besan
Chickpea flour, also known as besan adds a rich and earthy flavour to fried coatings. Made from ground chickpeas, it has a slightly nutty taste and a smooth, velvety texture when mixed with liquid. When using chickpea flour as a coating, you can enhance its flavour by incorporating spices and seasonings such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chilli powder. These ingredients add warmth and depth to the coating, creating a delicious contrast to the crispiness of the fried dish.
Chickpea flour forms a thick and robust coating when mixed with a binding agent such as water or beaten eggs. This helps the coating adhere firmly to the ingredients and creates a substantial crust when fried.
