9 Irresistible Fish Coatings: Breads and Batters to Explore

9 Irresistible Fish Coatings: Breads and Batters to Explore

Battered and breaded fish takes on many forms, whether it be fish tacos, pub-style fish and chips, a fish burger, frozen fish sticks, or an oven-baked, panko-crusted fish fillet. From frying in a shallow pan or busting out the deep fryer, high heat and a fast cook adhere whatever breading you choose to the fish, locking in flavor. For some, this is the ultimate way to cook and eat fish. If you're unfamiliar or curious about the different styles, breading fish is simply the process of coating meat in dry, crumbled starches — usually breadcrumbs, but also cornmeal — with seasoning, before frying or baking. Battering is a method of preparation that involves a thick, wet batter of flour and water — sometimes with beer — that coats the meat, later encasing it in a golden brown shell after being fried. Most home cooks stick with favorites like panko or other store-bought breading packs to get the job done. But there's a whole world of flavor and texture waiting for those cooks w…