Long John Silver’s Batter Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup club soda, cold
Directions:
Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended.
Add the Club Soda:
Slowly pour in 1 cup of cold club soda while continuously whisking the mixture. This will help create a smooth and even batter.
Let the batter sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly. This rest period allows the batter to develop a better texture for coating.
Coat the Seafood or Chicken:
Dip your choice of seafood (such as fish fillets or shrimp) or chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
Fry the Coated Pieces:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there is enough oil to fully submerge the pieces.
Fry the coated pieces in the hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy, usually about 3-4 minutes per side. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried pieces from the oil. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve the crispy seafood or chicken hot, with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.
Additional Information:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: Varies (approximately 3-4 minutes per side)
Total Time: 15 minutes (excluding frying time)
Calories: Varies based on frying
Servings: Enough batter for approximately 2 lbs of seafood or chicken
Tips:
Keep the club soda cold: This helps the batter stay light and airy, resulting in a crispier coating.
Fry in batches: To prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much, fry in small batches.
Serve immediately: The batter will stay crispier when the fried pieces are served right after cooking.
Enjoy this homemade version of a fast-food favorite, perfect for a fun family dinner or a treat for seafood lovers!