Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Crispy : The batter creates a light, crunchy coating that stays crisp even after frying.
- Restaurant-Quality : Mimics the flavor and texture of Long John Silver’s famous fried fish.
- Versatile : Works for fish, shrimp, chicken, or even veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Easy to Make : Simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps make it foolproof.
- Crowd-Pleasing : Always a hit at gatherings, family dinners, or game-day spreads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 4–6
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (for lightness and fluffiness)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 cup cold beer (or sparkling water for a non-alcoholic option)
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil , for deep frying (enough to submerge the fish)
Optional Seasoning for Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add the cold beer and beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Whisk until the batter is smooth and slightly thick—it should coat the back of a spoon but still drip off easily.