Zatarain's Gluten-Free Cajun Coating for Family Dinner Nights With Picky Eaters
Zatarain's Gluten-Free Cajun Coating for Family Dinner Nights With Picky Eaters
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Why you'll love it
- Authentic New Orleans-style flavor without needing to blend your own spices
- All-in-one fully seasoned coating eliminates the need for separate spices
- Three flexible cooking methods (deep fry, pan fry, bake) suit any kitchen setup
- Large 5.75 lb bulk size is economical for big gatherings and frequent cooks
- Versatile enough to handle seafood, vegetables, and chicken with one mix
- Real lemon in the blend delivers a brighter, fresher-tasting crust
- Large quantity/bag size is a great value compared to small in-store pouches
- Light and crispy coating that isn't too thick
- Works well for gluten-free and dairy-free diets
- Easy-to-pour jug container
- Sticks well to fish, shrimp, and vegetables
- Doesn't get soggy when fried
- Works for both deep-frying and pan-frying
- Cheaper per ounce than the small boxes in stores
Perfect for
- Coating and frying catfish, shrimp, or oysters for a Southern-style dinner
- Hosting a backyard fish fry or tailgate gathering for a crowd
- Breading and frying okra, hush puppies, or other vegetables as a side dish
- Making a quick weeknight meal by baking breaded fish fillets in the oven
- Preparing crispy fried chicken using a single seasoned coating mix
- Making onion rings
- Breading pork
- Coating vegetables
- Making fried chicken sandwiches
- Making chicken fingers
- Vacuum sealing in batches for freshness after opening
About this item
Zatarain's Seasoned Fish Fri brings authentic New Orleans-style flavor to your kitchen! This fully seasoned, corn-based breading mix offers a coating to fish and other seafood and vegetables. Now you can make every day a fish fry day. This is the same corn base as our Wonderful Fish-Fri but seasoned with a blend of red pepper, garlic, onion, real lemon. The golden coating mix is perfect for seafood of any kind – try on catfish, shrimp or oysters. Great also for delicious fried vegetables (of course, fried okra will do any day) and fried chicken. Simply roll in the seafood breading and pan fry, deep fry or bake to a light golden brown, and in no time, you and your family can enjoy the flavor and soul of The Big Easy!USAGE TIPS - DEEP FRYING DIRECTIONS1. FILL deep fryer no more than 1/3 full with oil. Heat oil to 350°F on medium heat.2. POUR Zatarain’s Seasoned Fish Fri onto plate or into plastic bag. Use 1/2 cup Fish Fri per 1 lb. fish. Roll or shake fish in Fish Fri until evenly coated. Discard any remaining Fish Fri mixture on plate or in plastic bag.3. FRY fish, a few pieces at a time, in hot oil until light golden brown. Drain on paper towels.Note: For thicker coating, dip fish in 1/2 cup milk mixed with 1 lightly beaten egg, before rolling in Fish Fri.PAN FRYING DIRECTIONS1. POUR 1 inch of vegetable oil into large skillet. Heat oil to 350°F on medium heat.2. COAT and fry fish as directed above. BAKING DIRECTIONS1. BRUSH 1 lb. fish fillets on both sides with oil. Pour Fish Fri onto plate. Roll fish in Fish Fri until evenly coated. Discard any remaining Fish Fri mixture on plate.2. PLACE fish on shallow baking pan sprayed with no stick cooking spray. Spray top of fish with cooking spray.3. BAKE in preheated 450ºF oven 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Product Dimensions : 5.85 x 5.85 x 10.49 inches; 6.11 Pounds
- Ingredients: Enriched Corn Flour (Corn Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Salt, Spices (Including Red Pepper), Natural Flavor, Monosodium Glutamate (Flavor Enhancer), Garlic, Onion, and Lemon Juice Concentrate.
- Nutritional value: On the product
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the breading gluten free and dairy free for kids with allergies?
Yes. The blend is gluten free and dairy free, which makes it a good fit for many kids with common allergies. Always check the current label for the latest allergen information, but it is a popular pick for allergy-aware families.
Can I use this to make kid-friendly chicken fingers?
Yes. Slice chicken breasts into strips, dredge in Fish Fri, and pan fry 3 to 4 minutes per side or bake at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Kids love the mild seasoning and the crispy golden crust, and you can serve with ketchup or honey mustard.
Is the seasoning too spicy for young kids?
It is on the mild side compared to many Cajun blends, with a gentle background warmth rather than heavy heat. Most kids enjoy it as written, but if you want a milder version, you can mix the breading with a little extra plain yellow cornmeal to tone down the pepper.
Can I bake the breaded fish instead of frying for a safer kitchen with kids around?
Yes, oven baking is a great option when kids are nearby. There is no hot oil to manage, so the risk of splatter and burns drops significantly. The breading still crisps up nicely on a greased sheet pan or rack at 425°F.
Does the breading work for kid-friendly fish sticks?
Yes. Cut cod, tilapia, or catfish into sticks, dredge in Zatarain's Fish Fri, and pan fry or bake until golden. Kids get a familiar fish stick shape with a flavorful New Orleans-style crust, and the coating stays crispy after cooking.
Can my older kids help dredge the food safely?
Yes, dredging is one of the easiest kitchen tasks to hand off. Set up a bowl or zip-top bag of breading, lay out a plate for the dredged pieces, and let kids coat the protein. It is a great intro to cooking without the risks of working near hot oil.
Is the breading appropriate for picky eaters?
It is usually a hit. The flavor is savory and familiar rather than spicy, and the light, crispy texture appeals to kids who turn away from thick, heavy batters. Serve with a familiar dipping sauce and most picky eaters dig in.
Can I use this to make a fish sandwich my kids will actually eat?
Yes. Fry a thin catfish or cod fillet, slide it onto a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce, and you have a kid-friendly fish sandwich. The crispy seasoned crust gives it a fast-food style crunch without the drive-thru.
Does the breading stick well enough that kids can eat it without the coating falling off?
Yes. The corn-based blend is known for sticking well to fish, shrimp, and chicken. Pat the protein dry before dredging, press the breading on gently, and let it rest for a minute before cooking. The crust will hold together bite after bite.
Can I pack breaded leftovers in a school lunch without them going soggy?
Yes, with a small tip. Fry or bake the pieces, let them cool on a wire rack, and pack them in a thermos or container with a paper towel at the bottom. The crust stays crispier than a typical batter because the seasoned corn blend is designed to hold up.
Is the breading a good option for a Friday night family fish dinner?
It is the classic choice. Friday fish fries are a Southern tradition, and this is the breading most families reach for. Set out coleslaw, hush puppies, and lemon wedges, and you have a full kid-friendly fish dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Can I use this to make kid-friendly fried okra or vegetables?
Yes. Slice okra into half-inch rounds, dredge in Fish Fri, and fry 2 to 3 minutes until crisp. Even kids who resist vegetables often love fried okra, and it is a fun way to add a Southern side to a family meal.
Is the jug easy to open and close when my hands are full holding a kid?
Yes, the wide handle and flip-top or screw-style cap are easy to manage one-handed. You can pour a quick portion into a bowl, snap it shut, and get back to the family without fumbling.
Does the breading work for air fryer chicken tenders, which are safer for kids?
Yes. Air fry at 375 to 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, and you get a crispy, kid-friendly chicken tender with little to no oil. It is a popular method for families who want fried flavor with less hot-oil risk.
Can I use this breading to get my kids interested in cooking?
Yes. Dredging is a fun, hands-on task that older kids love. Set up a simple breading station, let them coat the protein, and you handle the cooking. It is a safe, confidence-building way to get kids into the kitchen.
Is the breading safe for kids with celiac disease?
The blend is formulated to be gluten free, which makes it a popular option for kids with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Always verify the current packaging label and check for cross-contamination warnings if your child is highly sensitive.
How do I bread fish or shrimp with Zatarain's Fish Fri for the crispiest results?
Pat the protein completely dry with paper towels, then dredge in a shallow bowl or seal in a zip-top plastic bag with the breading. Press the coating on gently so it adheres, rest for 1 to 2 minutes, and fry in 350 to 375°F oil for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
Can I use this breading to make a thicker batter-style coating?
Yes. For a heartier crust, whisk together 1 cup of Fish Fri with 1 egg and about 1/3 cup of milk until smooth, then dip your protein in the batter before frying. This creates a thicker, more traditional Southern-style coating that is great for chicken and onion rings.
How do I bake breaded fish or chicken in the oven with this mix?
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Dip fillets or tenders in milk or buttermilk, dredge in Fish Fri, and place on a greased wire rack over a sheet pan. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once, until the coating is golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F for fish or 165°F for chicken.
Does this breading work in an air fryer?
Yes. Lightly mist breaded pieces with cooking oil, arrange in a single layer in the basket, and air fry at 375 to 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The seasoned corn coating crisps up nicely with little to no added oil.
Is this breading mix gluten free and dairy free?
Yes, the standard Zatarain's Seasoned Fish Fri is formulated to be gluten free and dairy free. Always confirm the current label for the most up-to-date allergen and ingredient information before serving to anyone with allergies or sensitivities.
What is included in the jug and do I need to buy anything else to start frying?
The jug contains 5.75 lb of fully seasoned corn-based breading mix with red pepper, garlic, onion, and real lemon. You supply the protein, oil, and basic kitchen tools like a deep fryer, heavy pot, or skillet and tongs. No additional spices are required because the blend is fully seasoned.
Does this breading contain any allergens I should know about?
The standard blend is gluten free and dairy free. It is corn-based, so anyone with a corn allergy should avoid it. Always check the most current label for the full ingredient and allergen statement, as formulations can change over time.
How should I store the breading after opening the jug?
Reseal the jug tightly and store it in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and direct sunlight. For longest freshness, you can also vacuum seal portions in smaller bags. Properly stored, the breading will stay fresh and flavorful for the full printed shelf life.
What is the difference between a seasoned fish fry breading and plain cornmeal?
Plain yellow cornmeal is just ground corn with no flavor, so you have to add salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and other spices separately to get a Cajun-style crust. A seasoned breading like Zatarain's Fish Fri already includes the spices, salt, and aromatics, so you get a fully flavored crust in one dredge with no measuring.
