A method of preparing a food coating composition which contains hydroxypropylmethylecellulose is disclosed. The composition comprises, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose having from about 27 to about 30 weight percent methoxyl and from about 4 to about 12 weight percent hydroxypropyl substitution, water and a batter mix, wherein the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is essentially prehydrated to form a gum solution. The gum solution is admixed with a batter mix to form a coating composition. The viscous, coating composition is applied to food products before cooking. The cooked food product exhibits less fat absorption than a plain batter coated food product.