Perfectly Crispy Long John Silver’s Style Batter Recipe

Perfectly Crispy Long John Silver’s Style Batter Recipe

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Craving the crunchy, golden batter from Long John Silver’s? Now, you can recreate that iconic crispy texture and delicious flavor right at home! This easy-to-follow recipe mimics the famous batter used for frying seafood, offering a light yet crispy coating that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re frying fish, shrimp, or even vegetables, this batter will elevate your dishes to a new level of flavor and crunch, bringing the authentic Long John Silver’s experience to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cold sparkling water (or cold club soda for extra crispiness)
  • 1 egg (optional for extra binding)
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, sugar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Ensure that all the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed for an even batter.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually pour in the cold sparkling water, stirring continuously until the batter reaches a smooth consistency. If you’d like an extra crispy texture, add the egg to the mixture, which will also help to bind the batter.
  3. Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or fryer to fully submerge your seafood or other ingredients. Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it—if it sizzles and rises immediately, the oil is ready.
  4. Coat the Seafood: Pat your fish, shrimp, or vegetables dry with paper towels. Dip each piece into the batter, coating them evenly.
  5. Fry to Perfection: Carefully place the battered items into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, usually about 4-5 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
  6. Drain and Serve: Once fried, remove the food from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, lemon wedges, or sides.