Julie, coating first with flour...note the word "first"...isn't a substitute for anything, it is done
in order to make the rest of the coating, whatever it is, stick. And it is very basic cooking
knowledge, which you apparently were never told.

So you first lightly coat the meat (or whatever food you are coating) with flour, and then
follow with the egg, milk, or batter....let rest on a rack for about 20 minutes...then continue
With the recipe.

N.