Long John Silver’s is famous for its irresistibly crispy and golden-brown battered seafood and chicken. The secret to its iconic crunch lies in the perfectly balanced batter that coats each piece, ensuring a light yet crispy texture. Whether you’re craving homemade fish fillets or crispy chicken tenders, this recipe will help you recreate the magic of Long John Silver’s right in your kitchen. The best part? It’s simple, quick, and requires only a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve the best restaurant-style crispy coating every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup cold water
- 1 egg (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fish fillets or chicken pieces (for coating)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Slowly pour in the cold water while whisking the dry mixture. Continue stirring until a smooth batter forms. If you prefer an extra crispy texture, beat an egg separately and add it to the batter before mixing again.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot, ensuring there’s enough oil to fully submerge the fish or chicken. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) to achieve the perfect frying temperature.
- Coat the Fish or Chicken: Pat dry the fish fillets or chicken pieces with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Dip each piece into the prepared batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing it into the hot oil.
- Fry to Perfection: Carefully place the battered pieces into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until the batter turns a beautiful golden brown and the inside is fully cooked.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried pieces from the oil and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like tartar sauce, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
This homemade Long John Silver’s batter guarantees a crispy, airy, and flavorful coating, making every bite a delight. Whether you use it for fish, shrimp, chicken, or even vegetables, this batter will elevate your frying game to restaurant-quality levels. Enjoy the ultimate crunch with every bite!