Description
This Long John Silver's Fish Batter Copycat Recipe recreates the perfectly crispy, golden batter that coats white fish pieces just like the classic fast-food favorite. The batter combines a blend of flour, cornstarch, spices, and club soda to create a light, airy texture that fries up beautifully in hot oil. Perfect for a homemade fish and chips meal, this recipe delivers crunchy, flavorful fish that's juicy inside with an irresistibly crisp coating.
Ingredients
For Frying
- 8 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 16 ounces club soda
Fish
- 2 pounds cod or other white fish, sliced into 3-ounce pieces
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Pour about 8 cups of vegetable oil into a deep fryer or a heavy, deep pot. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the ideal temperature for frying to achieve a crispy outer layer without absorbing excess oil.
- Make the batter dry mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 2 teaspoons sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon onion salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Add club soda: Slowly pour 16 ounces of club soda into the dry ingredients while stirring gently. The batter will foam as the soda combines, creating a light, airy texture that's key for the crispy coating.
- Coat the fish: Take the 2-pound pieces of cod or other white fish sliced into 3-ounce portions, and dip each piece into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. The batter should cling to the fish evenly.
- Fry the fish: Carefully drop the battered fish pieces into the hot oil. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook each piece for about 2 to 3 minutes until the batter turns golden brown and the fish begins to float, indicating it's cooked through.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried fish with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on a wire rack to drain off excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is crucial to prevent greasy fish and ensure a crispy coating.
- Do not overcrowd the frying vessel; fry in batches to keep the temperature stable.
- The club soda creates bubbles in the batter, resulting in a lighter, crispier texture compared to using plain water.
- Use fresh, firm white fish like cod to ensure the best results and flavor.
- Drain fish on a wire rack rather than paper towels to prevent sogginess from steam.