Description

When it comes to crispy, golden, and perfectly fried fish or chicken, there’s one batter that stands out—Long John Silver’s signature batter. This recipe has been a secret for many years, creating the signature crunch and texture that pairs so well with their famous seafood dishes. Now, with this simple, easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate that crispy batter at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp white pepper (optional)
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
¾ cup cornmeal
1 cup cold sparkling water (or club soda for extra crispness)
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for extra crispness)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, and cornmeal. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

2️⃣ Mix in the Sparkling Water: Add the cold sparkling water (or club soda) to the dry mixture. Stir gently with a whisk or spoon until the batter is smooth. Avoid overmixing, as this could result in a less crispy texture.

3️⃣ Optional Cornstarch for Extra Crispness: If you prefer an even crispier batter, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients before mixing in the water. This step will give your batter a more delicate crunch.

4️⃣ Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 375°F (190°C). It’s essential to ensure the oil reaches this temperature for perfectly crispy results.

5️⃣ Coat and Fry: Dip your fish fillets (or chicken pieces) into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated. Fry in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer. Cook for 4–5 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and crispy.

6️⃣ Drain and Serve: Once fried, drain the coated pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the crisp, flavorful crunch.

Notes

Sparkling Water: The cold sparkling water (or club soda) is key to achieving that extra crisp texture. Don’t substitute with regular water.
Cornstarch Tip: Adding cornstarch to the dry ingredients will make the batter even crispier and lighter.
Batter Consistency: Avoid overmixing the batter—just stir until smooth for the best texture.
Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil reaches 375°F (190°C) for a perfect golden crunch. If the temperature is too low, the batter will absorb too much oil.
Fish Alternatives: This batter works great for fish, but you can also use it for fried chicken or other fried foods.

Frying in Batches: Fry the fish or chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the oil, which helps maintain the crispy texture.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 15 min