Description
Crispy Long John Silver’s batter elevates seafood with its golden, light crunch that whispers coastal comfort. Seafood enthusiasts will discover a simple yet magical coating that brings restaurant-quality flavor directly to home kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Fish Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup beer (optional)
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Gather all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika until uniformly combined.
- Create a well in the center of the dry mixture, cracking eggs directly into the depression and pouring in cold water and beer, if using.
- Gently fold liquid ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring with a whisk until the batter achieves a smooth, lump-free consistency resembling thin pancake batter.
- Allow batter to rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, which helps ingredients meld and creates a lighter, crispier coating.
- When ready to use, give the batter a quick stir to ensure even texture and prevent settling of ingredients.
- Dip fish, seafood, or desired protein into the batter, allowing excess to drip off before carefully lowering into hot oil heated to 350-375°F.
- Fry coated items until golden brown and crispy, typically 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches food safety standards.
- Remove fried items with a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate before serving.
Notes
- Use cold beer or sparkling water to create an extra crispy, airy texture that makes the batter light and crunchy.
- Rest the batter for 15 minutes to allow gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender and delicate coating that doesn’t become tough.
- For gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend to maintain the same crispy exterior.
- Keep oil temperature consistent between 350-375°F to ensure golden, evenly cooked seafood without absorbing excess grease.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg