Long John Silver’s has been delighting fans with their crispy battered fish since 1969. With nearly 1,000 locations nationwide, they’ve mastered the art of creating a light and crispy fish fry batter. The secret? Club soda! This key ingredient provides the batter with extra lift, resulting in a delightfully crispy and golden finish. Now, you can enjoy that same satisfying crunch at home with this fantastic copycat recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Long John Silver’s Batter Recipe
- Signature Crispiness: Club soda and baking powder create air pockets for an ultra-crispy texture.
- Authentic Flavor: This recipe closely mimics the taste and texture of the original Long John Silver’s batter.
- Simple Ingredients: Common pantry staples are all you need to recreate this crispy delight.
- Versatile Use: Beyond fish, you can use this batter for various fried foods for a crunchy twist.
Ingredients
- Flour: Provides the base for the batter.
- Corn Starch: Helps in crisping up the batter when fried.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Creates air pockets for a crispy texture.
- Spices: Including paprika, pepper, sugar, salt, and onion salt for seasoning.
- Club Soda: The secret ingredient that adds lift and crispiness to the batter.
- Cod or White Fish: Perfect choices for frying with this batter.
How to Make Long John Silver’s Batter
Step 1: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix flour, corn starch, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, onion salt, paprika, and black pepper.
Step 2: Adding Club Soda
Gradually pour club soda into the dry mixture, stirring continuously until the batter foams.
Step 3: Frying the Fish
Dip fish pieces into the batter, ensuring an even coat.
Fry the coated fish in preheated oil at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Storage Options
For optimal crispiness:
- Allow excess oil to drain off completely before storing.
- Wrap cooked pieces in paper towels to absorb any residual oil.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Variations and Substitutions
- Beer Batter: Substitute club soda with your favorite beer for a unique flavor.
- Onion Rings: Use the batter to fry up crispy onion rings for a delicious side dish.
What to Serve With Long John Silver’s Batter
Pair your crispy battered fish with:
- Tartar sauce
- Fresh coleslaw
- French fries
- Hush puppies
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use this batter for chicken or vegetables?
Yes, this versatile batter works well with chicken tenders, shrimp, and various vegetables. - Can I make a larger batch of batter and store it for future use?
Yes, you can prepare extra batter and refrigerate it in an airtight container for a few days. - Can I freeze the cooked fish for later consumption?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked fish and reheat it in the oven or air fryer.
By following this recipe, you can expect to enjoy crispy, golden-brown fried fish that rivals the taste of Long John Silver’s famous battered fish. The airy and crunchy texture, combined with the perfect blend of seasonings, will make each bite a delight. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or just love indulging in crispy comfort food, this Long John Silver’s batter recipe will become a family favorite.
Long John Silver’s Batter Recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Deep Fryer or Pan
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp onion salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup club soda
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients - flour, corn starch, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, onion salt, paprika, and black pepper.
- Gradually pour in the club soda, stirring continuously until the batter foams.
- Dip fish pieces into the batter for an even coat.
- Fry the fish in preheated oil at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.