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Long John Silver’s Batter

Long John Silver’s Batter

This recipe recreates the iconic Long John Silver’s Batter, delivering a light, golden, and extra crispy coating perfect for seafood, chicken, and vegetables. Using simple pantry ingredients and a unique carbonation technique with club soda or sparkling water, it ensures a crunchy finish every time. Ideal for those craving restaurant-quality fried dishes at home with customizable options for dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup Cold Club Soda or Sparkling Water
  • 1 Egg (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk thoroughly until evenly blended to ensure consistent seasoning.
  2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Slowly pour in the cold club soda or sparkling water while whisking gently. If using an egg, beat it lightly first and add it with the liquid. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the batter.
  3. Chill the Batter: Place the batter in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. This chilling helps stabilize the bubbles from the soda, creating an airy and crisp coating when fried.
  4. Prep Seafood or Vegetables: Pat your fish fillets, shrimp, or vegetables dry using paper towels. Dry ingredients help the batter adhere better and prevent sliding during frying.
  5. Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Dip your prepared seafood or veggies into the batter, letting excess drip off, then carefully place into the hot oil. Fry in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
  6. Drain and Serve: Remove fried pieces with a slotted spoon or basket and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Notes

  • Keep the sparkling water cold and chill the batter to maintain carbonation and crispiness.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep it light and airy.
  • Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for optimal frying results without greasy absorption.
  • Ensure seafood or vegetables are dry before battering to help the coating stick.
  • Use fresh oil for frying to ensure clean taste and maximum crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Long John Silver's batter, crispy batter, seafood batter, fish fry batter, gluten-free batter, crispy fried seafood, homemade batter