There's nothing tastier than a Schnitzel, a breaded steak, or a succulent fish burger. But what if you're out of breadcrumbs, or you're allergic to gluten, or you're tired of the same old breading? You can make it at home, or you can try a new type of breading.
There are countless alternative ways to coat your dishes without necessarily using breadcrumbs. This ingredient can be substituted in countless ways, and all will yield the same delicious and inviting breading: we'll suggest nine, each more delicious than the last.
1. Crackers
Using crackers instead of bread will give you an easy-to-make, delicious, and crunchy breading. Simply crumble them, season them with your favorite herbs, and use them just like breadcrumbs. This solution allows for a wide variety of flavors: crackers are available in whole grain, gluten-free, or flavored in a variety of ways. Furthermore, instead of crackers, you can also use similar products like breadsticks or the typical Sardinian pane carasau.
2. Corn Flour
One of the most popular ingredients for replacing breadcrumbs is corn flour, because not only does it provide a light and airy finish, but it's also perfect for those with gluten intolerances because it's one of the grains that's naturally gluten-free. Be careful when choosing the right type, as there are different types with different grain sizes: any one will work, it just depends on your preferences and the crunchiness you want your breading to have.
3. Chickpea Flour
If you like strong flavors, try replacing breadcrumbs with chickpea flour, a very versatile ingredient that lends itself to countless recipes, bold in flavor and also rich in protein. It's ideal for breading vegetables and white meats, or for delicate fish, adding a noticeable boost of flavor. Furthermore, since it's a legume, it's perfect for those with gluten intolerance.
4. Cornflakes
Cornflakes aren't the first ingredient that comes to mind when it comes to breading, but they're actually perfect: they're crunchy, hold their shape perfectly when cooked, and have a delicate flavor that doesn't overpower the main ingredient. Simply chop them roughly and use them after dipping meat or fish in well-beaten egg: the result will be astonishing! You can use this technique to bread practically anything, but it's particularly good for chicken nuggets.
5. Puffed Rice
If the idea of cornflakes doesn't appeal to you, or if you can't eat them, you can easily substitute them with puffed rice: it's a very delicate grain that allows for light and airy frying. You can buy it ready-made (but make sure it's unsweetened) or you can easily make it at home: in both cases, the secret is to coat it only at the last minute, because it takes just a moment to moisten.
6. Seeds
Seeds are an alternative breading that adds flavor, crunchiness, and a particularly aromatic taste. You can use any type, from flaxseeds to poppyseeds: they'll all work great as a substitute for breadcrumbs. Sesame seeds are particularly popular for this purpose, as they become crunchy and crackle in the mouth when fried. Seeds are especially perfect as a breading for fish like tuna or salmon.
7. Chopped Dried Fruits
The same goes for chopped nuts: crumbled hazelnuts, chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts are all delicious. This breading isn't as light because this type of ingredient is high in calories and has a more intense flavor than the ones listed above, but they're delicious.
8. Panko
If you're looking to try something new, you can try making your own panko breadcrumbs at home. This is a ready-made or easily made dish, particularly crunchy and absorbs very little oil because, being made with breadcrumbs, it puffs up, repelling the oil and allowing the fat to drain off. It's used primarily for fried shrimp, but it's also great for breading vegetables and meat.
9. Bagged Chips
It is certainly not a suitable substitute for a light dinner or a diet, but it is truly delicious: bagged chips, the ones in the bag that you use as a snack or for brunch, are an exceptional breading, crunchy and tasty, which lends itself both to being fried and to being cooked in the oven.
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