As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question about whether battered fish has gluten.
To begin with, beer battered fish does indeed contain gluten for a couple of reasons. Firstly, traditional beer is made from barley, which is a gluten-containing grain. During the brewing process, the gluten from barley is not completely removed, resulting in beer that still contains gluten. When beer is used in the batter for fish, the gluten from the beer will transfer to the fish as well.
Secondly, the frying process itself can contribute to the presence of gluten in battered fish. Many establishments use the same fryers to cook various foods, including those that are breaded or coated with wheat flour. This means that the oil used for frying can become contaminated with gluten from the wheat flour. When fish is then battered and fried in the same oil, it can absorb the gluten from the contaminated oil, leading to gluten contamination in the final product.
It's important to note that cross-contamination can be a concern for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Even if a restaurant claims to use gluten-free batter or gluten-free beer, the risk of cross-contamination from shared fryers or utensils is still present. This is why it's crucial for those with gluten sensitivities to exercise caution and communicate their dietary needs to restaurant staff.
In my personal experience, I have encountered situations where I've ordered battered fish at restaurants that claimed to have gluten-free options. However, upon further inquiry, it became clear that the risk of cross-contamination was high due to the shared fryers. This highlights the importance of being vigilant and asking specific questions about the cooking methods and potential for cross-contamination.
Beer battered fish typically contains gluten due to the gluten content in the beer used for the batter and the risk of cross-contamination during frying. It is essential for individuals with gluten sensitivities to exercise caution and communicate their dietary needs to ensure they avoid gluten in their food.