Then you realized the only thing you couldn’t find was cornmeal? Don’t worry, you can use other ingredients instead of cornmeal.
That depends on the recipe. You may already have a lot of things in your pantry that could work.
I’ll show you all the different things you can use instead of cornmeal so you can keep making that recipe.
Some types of cornmeal are coarse, medium, and fine. Cornmeal is made from corn kernels and is a coarse flour. The ingredient is the same for each, and the only difference is in texture.
It’s made from different corn kernels, but the most common are corn kernels from yellow corn. Cornmeal is gluten-free and has a slightly sweet corn flavour.
Fried fish is a delicious meal that is a staple in many households. The crispy, golden crust provided by cornmeal makes fish fillets irresistible. However, you may find yourself without cornmeal when a craving for fried fish strikes. Before you resign yourself to eating bland fish, consider the many tasty substitutes for cornmeal that can give you the perfect crunch.
In this article, we’ll explore 11 great alternatives to use when frying fish fillets. With options like flour, breadcrumbs, and crushed crackers, you can still enjoy flavorful fried fish even without cornmeal. Keep reading to learn how to use these substitutes to create a flavorful crust on fish fillets or nuggets.
1. All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour is likely already in your pantry and works well as a simple cornmeal substitute when frying fish. Simply dredge your fish fillets in flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy. Fry the floured fillets in oil until golden brown. The flour gives a light, crispy coating.
2. Whole Wheat Flour
For a heartier, nutty flavor, use whole wheat flour instead of cornmeal. The coarse texture of whole wheat flour provides a pleasant crunch. Season with paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. The earthy taste of whole wheat complements fish beautifully.
3. Panko Breadcrumbs
Japanese panko breadcrumbs create an extra crispy crust on fried fish. Panko absorbs less oil than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a lighter and crunchier texture. The mild flavor allows the taste of the fish to shine. Simply dip your fish in milk or egg, then press panko on thickly.
4. Crushed Crackers
Crushed salty crackers like Ritz or saltines make a quick, crunchy coating for fried fish Use a rolling pin to finely crush the crackers, then season them with spices Try garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for a kick. The crackers give great texture and toasty flavor.
5. Corn Flour
Made from finely ground corn, corn flour has a smooth starchy texture similar to cornmeal. Use it to dust fish fillets before frying for a delicate crunch. Corn flour has a mild flavor that won’t overwhelm the fish. Season it with your favorite spices for added flavor.
6. Polenta
This coarse cornmeal has a lovely golden color and nutty taste. It provides a hearty, crispy crust on fried fish. Allow the polenta to hydrate in milk for a thick coating before dredging the fish. Fry until the polenta is crispy and serve immediately for the best texture.
7. Crushed Corn Flakes
Crushed corn flakes are a inventive way to add crispness and corn flavor to fried fish without using cornmeal. Simply crush corn flakes into fine crumbs and use them to coat fish fillets before frying. If desired mix in a little flour to help the crumbs adhere. The corn flakes will become lightly browned and textured.
8. Instant Mashed Potato Flakes
Believe it or not, instant mashed potatoes make an excellent substitute for cornmeal when frying fish. Simply prepare the potatoes according to package directions, allow to cool slightly, then coat fish fillets thoroughly. Fry until the coating is crispy and golden. This unexpected trick yields deliciously crunchy fish.
9. Crushed Potato Chips
For an ultra-crispy crust, use crushed potato chips to coat fish fillets before frying. The chips add salty flavor and satisfying crunch. Try barbecue flavored or plain chips – any type works well. You’ll end up with fish that crackles as you bite into the coating. Irresistible!
10. Almond Meal
Almond meal, made from ground almonds, provides a sweet nutty crunch. It’s perfect for those avoiding gluten or carbs. Season the almond meal with chili powder or cayenne for a tasty kick. The almonds toast up deliciously during frying for a satisfying nut-crusted fish.
11. Chickpea Flour
Also called gram flour or besan, chickpea flour makes a crispy gluten-free coating for fried fish. It has an earthy, nutty taste that complements fish. Season the chickpea flour with garlic powder, paprika, or lemon pepper before dredging the fish. Fry until golden and serve immediately while still warm and crunchy.
With all these substitutes, you can still enjoy the fun and flavor of fried fish fillets even without cornmeal on hand. Get creative with seasonings, spices, and different crushings and coatings to find your favorite substitution method. Just remember to fry the coated fish in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.
Soon your family will be asking for these tasty substitutions instead of plain old cornmeal crust! Don’t be afraid to try crackers, cereals, nuts, or even potato chips to add delightful crunch to your fish. With so many options, you can enjoy perfect fried fish any night of the week.
What to Think About When Substituting Cornmeal
It’s essential to think about your recipe and the outcome you want before picking a replacement.
The two main functions of cornmeal are to give taste and add texture. If you are looking to add flavour, then you should substitute it for another corn product.
If you’re looking to add texture, you need a similar product with a similar consistency. It comes down to the type of grain used and how refined that grain is.
For people who are allergic to corn, you’ll need to find a product that doesn’t contain corn but has the same texture.
Corn Flour (Not Corn Starch)
In the United kingdom, corn starch is branded as cornflour. You can’t use corn starch instead of cornmeal because it’s a much starcher powder that’s used for a different reason.
But corn flour is just finely ground cornmeal; it tastes like corn but has a different texture.
You can use corn flour instead of cornmeal if you want to make a sauce or thicken soups or stews. It’s a fine powder that will give you the same corn flavour.
Recipes: Cornbread, Biscuits, Dumplings, Desserts and Baking
Finding a cornmeal replacement for a corn allergy is slightly more complex. The flavour will be different, but you can have similar cooking results.
If you are allergic to corn, you might think it is impossible to find a good cornmeal substitute. But I will give you some good ideas.