Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people adopting them for medical or lifestyle reasons. For those avoiding gluten, one food that can seem tricky is fish and chips. Most standard batters contain wheat flour, which contains gluten. This leads many to ask: can you buy gluten free fish batter?
The quick answer is yes, you absolutely can purchase gluten free fish batter mixes to make your own fish and chips at home. There are a number of brands that produce gluten free batter mixes specifically designed for coating fish before frying. These batters are made using ingredients like rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, and chickpea flour instead of wheat. They provide the same light and crispy coating you expect with traditional fish and chips, just without the gluten.
In addition to packaged mixes, there are recipes available online for making your own gluten free fish batter from scratch. This allows you to control exactly what ingredients go into your batter. When prepared properly using the right blend of gluten free flours and starches, homemade gluten free batter can deliver excellent results.
So for those who need or prefer to avoid gluten, rest assured you don’t have to give up your favorite fish and chips. With the growing demand for gluten free foods, there are more options than ever before to enjoy this classic dish. Keep reading for an in-depth look at buying or making your own gluten free fish batter.
Where to Buy Gluten Free Fish Batter
Gluten free fish batter mixes and flours are becoming increasingly common. Here are some of the best places to find gluten free batter options:
- Grocery stores – Most major grocery store chains now have dedicated gluten free sections where you can find fish batter mixes and specialty flours from brands like Bob’s Red Mill, Cup4Cup, and Namaste Foods.
- Health food stores – Stores focused on health foods, like Whole Foods or Sprouts, typically have a wide selection of gluten free products including fish batters.
- Online retailers – Large online stores like Amazon offer plenty of choice when it comes to gluten free batter mixes and flour that can be shipped to your door.
- Specialty baking suppliers – Retailers focusing specifically on gluten free baking will have the largest selection of alternative flours and mixes.
When purchasing a pre-made mix, check the label closely to verify the batter is certified gluten free. Reputable brands will clearly state the mix is gluten free on the packaging. It’s also important to watch out for mixes that are made in facilities that process wheat. For those sensitive to trace gluten exposure, a certified gluten free facility is the safest bet.
Popular Gluten Free Fish Batter Brands
Here are some of the top brands producing gluten free fish and chips batter mixes:
- Bob’s Red Mill – Bob’s Red Mill offers a gluten free Fish Fry Mix made with their popular gluten free all-purpose baking flour blend. The mix uses whole grain sorghum flour, potato starch, whole grain brown rice flour, and methylcellulose.
- Cup4Cup – This brand created by chef Thomas Keller makes a gluten free Multipurpose Flour Blend that works beautifully for fried fish. The blend contains rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, and xanthan gum.
- Namaste Foods – Namaste Perfect Flour Blend is an all-purpose mix ideal for batters and frying. It’s made with brown rice flour, sweet white rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum.
- Aleia’s – Aleia’s gluten free Crispy Breading Mix and Flour contain a proprietary blend of gluten free flours, starches, and gums ideal for achieving a light crunch.
- Gillian’s Foods – Gillian’s gf Crispy Batter Mix is seasoned with sea salt and black pepper for flavorful gluten free fish and chips.
These represent just a few of the many reputable brands producing quality gluten free frying mixes perfect for your fish. Trying a few different blends allows you to find your favorite crisp, golden batter recipe.
Making Homemade Gluten Free Batter
In addition to purchasing a pre-made gluten free mix, you can also easily make your own gluten free fish batter from scratch. This allows you full control over the ingredients used. Here are some tips for creating the best homemade gluten free fish batter:
Select the Right Flours
Choosing the proper blend of gluten free flours and starches is key to mimicking the tender, crunchy texture of traditional batter. Some good gluten free options include:
- Rice flour – Makes batter crispy and light. Look for superfine rice flour for the best results.
- Cornstarch – Adds necessary crunch to the coating.
- Tapioca starch/flour – Helps provide a light, airy texture.
- Chickpea flour – Contributes great flavor and browning.
- Potato starch – Aids crispness and also helps bind the batter.
Typically a blend of two or three different gluten free flours and starches is ideal. You want a combination that provides structure as well as crunch.
Add Eggs and Leaveners
Incorporating ingredients like eggs and leaveners mimics the rising ability of gluten to give your batter lift. Beaten eggs help bind the batter and add moisture. Baking powder or self-rising flour provides leavening power to make the coating lighter.
Include Flavors and Spices
Spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper can help boost the flavor of gluten free batter. You can also use beer or soda water for added lift and taste. Tartar sauce and lemon juice also complement the fish nicely.
Adjust Thickness
Gluten free batters will be thicker than traditional wheat-based ones. You can thin it by adding water, milk, beer, or ice to get the desired dipping consistency. Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes after mixing so the flours fully hydrate for optimal coating ability.
Chill the Batter
Chilling your gluten free batter for at least 30 minutes helps the coating stick better to the fish. The cold batter clings to the fish rather than sliding off. Use your batter straight from the fridge for best adhesion.
Gluten Free Fish Batter Recipe
Here is a simple recipe for making your own gluten free fish batter from scratch at home:
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup potato starch
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup beer or soda water
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice flour, potato starch, corn starch, baking powder, salt, paprika, and pepper until well combined.
- In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add it to the dry ingredients along with the beer or soda water.
- Whisk together just until a smooth, thick batter forms without any lumps.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes.
- When ready to use, dip fish fillets into the cold batter to evenly coat.
- Fry in 350°F oil for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel lined plate and season with additional salt if desired.
The starch, egg, and carbonation from the beer or soda provide a nice light coating and crunch. Frying in hot oil ensures the batter gets beautifully golden and crisp. Adjust the thickness of the batter by adding a touch more beer or water if needed.
Tips for Gluten Free Fish Batter
Follow these helpful tips for getting the best results when making your own gluten free fish batter:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough. The batter should sizzle immediately when the fish hits the oil. Frying at the proper high heat of 350-375°F makes the batter perfectly crispy.
- Pat fish fillets dry before dipping to help the batter adhere. Moisture will make it slide off.
- Work with a few pieces of fish at a time for easier coating. Don’t overwhelm the fryer.
- Allow excess batter to drip off briefly so you have a thin, even coating that will fry up crispy.
- Don’t crowd the fryer. Give the fish room to cook evenly. Flip halfway through frying.
- Let the fish drain on a paper towel lined plate. Dabbing helps remove excess grease.
- Eat the fish and chips immediately while hot and crisp. The batter will start to soak up oil and lose its crunch over time.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One of the drawbacks of gluten free batter is that it doesn’t retain its crispness as well as traditional batter once cooked. Here are some tips for storing and reheating leftovers:
- Allow fried fish and chips to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. This helps retain the crunch better than sealing hot food.
- Only store for 2-3 days maximum for best quality and texture.
- To reheat, place on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 5 minutes until hot and sizzling. The oven helps dry out the batter again.
- Avoid microwaving fish and chips, as this makes the batter soggy.
With proper storage and reheating, you can still enjoy the crisp gluten free batter texture. Just keep portions small so leftovers are eaten within a couple days.
Gluten Free Batter Options at Restaurants
In addition to making your own at home, there are an increasing number of restaurants offering gluten free fish and chips made with gluten free batter:
- The Flying Fish – This Portland-based fish and chips restaurant offers gluten free beer battered cod and chips fried in dedicated fryers.
- Gluten Free Brewhouse – Locations in New England and Florida serve gluten free beer battered fish and chips.
- Batter and Berries – This Cape Cod restaurant offers gluten free tempura battered haddock and chips.
- The Codfather – Multiple southern California locations serve gluten free fish and chips upon request.
- Grizzlies Fish & Chips – This Canadian chain offers dedicated gluten free fryers and batter at select locations.
When ordering out, always double check that proper precautions are taken to avoid cross contamination with gluten ingredients. Look for dedicated fryers and fresh oil. Review ingredient lists to ensure the batter itself is certified gluten free by the manufacturer.
Gluten Free Fish Batter Mixes and Flours to Try
To get you started, here are some top rated gluten free batter mixes and flours to consider for your fish and chips:
| Brand | Product |
|---|---|
| Bob’s Red Mill | Gluten Free Fish Fry Mix |
| Namaste Foods | Perfect Flour Blend |
| King Arthur | Gluten Free Fry Mix |
| Cup4Cup | Multipurpose Flour |
| Gillian’s Foods | Crispy Batter Mix |
| Aleia’s | Gluten Free Crispy Breading |
| Bob’s Red Mill | Sweet White Rice Flour |
| Better Batter | Gluten Free Flour |
| Authentic Foods | Superfine Brown Rice Flour |
These mixes and flours from trusted brands give you delicious options for gluten free fried fish. Test out a few to find your favorites.
Common Questions about Gluten Free Fish Batter
Does fish and chips batter have gluten?
Traditional fish and chips batter contains wheat flour, which has gluten. But there are many gluten free batter options available using ingredients like rice flour instead.
What can I use instead of batter for gluten free fish?
Cornstarch, chickpea flour, polenta, ground pork rinds, crushed gluten free cereal, and crushed almonds all make great gluten free coatings for fried fish fillets. You can also pan fry fish with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Is beer batter gluten free?
Beer contains gluten, so typical beer batter that uses barley-based beer is not gluten free. But there are some gluten removed and gluten free beer options that can be used to make gluten free beer batter.
Do I need xanthan gum in gluten free batter?
Xanthan gum helps replicate the binding abilities of gluten to hold gluten free batter together. But it isn’t strictly necessary. Using a blend of flours and starches can create a good batter texture without xanthan gum.
Can I freeze gluten free fish batter?
Yes, you can freeze both homemade and store-bought gluten free batter. Portion it into airtight bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Thaw in the refrigerator before using again. The texture may be slightly compromised but still works well.
Tips for the Best Gluten Free Fish and Chips
Here are some top tips for achieving delicious gluten free battered fish with a perfect crunch:
- Use very hot oil between 350-375°F so the batter fries up ultra crispy.
- Choose a firm white fish like cod that holds up well to frying.
- Dip fish in batter immediately before frying so coating sticks.
- Shake off any excess batter so you have a thin, even coating.
- Fry for 4-5 minutes until batter is golden brown. Flip halfway through.
- Drain fried fish on a paper towel lined plate before seasoning.
- Eat right away for maximum crunch.
With the right gluten free batter and frying technique, you can enjoy fish and chips with all the satisfying crispness you love.
Conclusion
Gluten free batter lets you enjoy the classic taste and texture of fish and chips even with dietary restrictions. Both store-bought and homemade gluten free batter varieties offer tasty, crispy results. With the increasing demand for quality gluten free foods, there are now many great options for coating fish before frying. Follow the tips above for selecting, preparing, and cooking with gluten free batter to make your favorite fish and chips gluten free.
