Creating a homemade version of Long John Silver’s batter can be a fun and delicious endeavor. Here’s a recipe that closely replicates the famous batter used at Long John Silver’s.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup cold water (you can also use club soda for extra crispiness)
- 1 egg (optional for extra richness)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the cold water (or club soda) to the dry ingredients while whisking continuously. This will help prevent lumps from forming.
- If using, add the egg and whisk until the batter is smooth. The consistency should be slightly thicker than pancake batter. If it’s too thick, add a little more water or club soda.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep fryer or large pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there’s enough oil to submerge the fish or chicken pieces fully.
- Prepare the Fish or Chicken:
- Pat the fish or chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the batter adhere better.
- Coat and Fry:
- Dip each piece of fish or chicken into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Carefully place the battered pieces into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature.
- Fry until the pieces are golden brown and crispy, usually about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain and Serve:
- Remove the fried pieces from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides and dipping sauces.
Enjoy your homemade Long John Silver’s-style fish or chicken!