Long John Silver’s batter is famous for its light, crispy texture that coats fish and chicken perfectly. This batter creates a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. The secret lies in the combination of flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and club soda, which produces air bubbles that make the batter airy and crisp. Whether you’re frying fish fillets, shrimp, or even onion rings, this batter ensures a restaurant-quality crunch that’s irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon onion salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces club soda
- 2 pounds white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia)
- 8 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Heat the Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot. Heat to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, onion salt, paprika, and black pepper. - Add Club Soda:
Slowly pour in club soda, stirring continuously. The batter will foam slightly—this is what creates the light, crispy texture. - Coat the Fish:
Dip each fish fillet into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. - Fry Until Golden:
Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the batter turns golden brown and the fish floats to the top. - Drain and Serve:
Remove the fish from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
- Serve alongside fries or coleslaw for a classic meal.
- Use the batter for shrimp, chicken, or onion rings.
Tips for the Best Batter:
- Use Club Soda: The carbonation creates a light, airy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the batter fluffy.
- Fry in Small Batches: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, making the batter soggy.
This Long John Silver’s batter recipe delivers the perfect crunch every time. Whether you’re making fish, shrimp, or onion rings, it’s sure to impress! 🍤✨
For more details, check out this recipe.