Copycat Long John Silvers brings the beloved tastes of a classic seafood restaurant right to your kitchen. Imagine biting into tender, flaky fish fillets coated in a golden, seasoned batter that crackles with every bite. This recipe captures those cherished moments of enjoying Long John Silvers without stepping out of your home. Let’s dive in and recreate this favorite dish!

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Long John Silvers

This Copycat Long John Silvers recipe is a delightful way to enjoy restaurant-style seafood at home. Here are a few reasons to love it:

• Quick and easy to prepare, taking just 35 minutes.
• Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
• Gluten-free option if you use gluten-free flour.
• Impressive flavor that rivals any takeout.
• Affordable compared to dining out.
• Customizable with different fish or batter flavors.
• Great for families and seafood lovers alike.
• Includes a classic Long John Silvers style seafood experience.

Ingredients for Copycat Long John Silvers

Gather these items:

• Canola oil
• 3/4 pound frozen cod
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup corn flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon MSG
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup cold club soda
• Kosher salt

How to Make Copycat Long John Silvers Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Gather all ingredients and tidy your workspace.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Slowly pour in cold sparkling water and stir until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
4. Step 4: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
5. Step 5: Season the fish lightly with salt and pepper for flavor.
6. Step 6: Dust the fish fillets with flour, shaking off any excess.
7. Step 7: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat, about 2 inches deep.
8. Step 8: Test the oil by dropping in a small amount of batter; it should sizzle.
9. Step 9: Dip each floured fish fillet into the batter, coating completely.
10. Step 10: Gently lower the battered fish into the hot oil, frying in batches.
11. Step 11: Fry each fillet for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
12. Step 12: Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Copycat Long John Silvers

Keep these in mind:

• Use cold club soda for a lighter, crispier batter.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; it reduces the oil temperature.
• Experiment with different spices in the batter for unique flavors.
• Always season your fish; it enhances the overall taste.

Best Ways to Serve Copycat Long John Silvers

Here are some serving ideas:

• Pair it with homemade tartar sauce for that classic touch.
• Serve with Long John Silvers hush puppies for a complete meal.
• Enjoy it alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option.

How to Store and Reheat Copycat Long John Silvers

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps retain the crispiness!

Frequently Asked Questions About Copycat Long John Silvers

What’s the secret to perfect Copycat Long John Silvers?

The secret lies in the batter. Using a blend of flours and cold club soda creates a light, crispy coating that mimics the original’s texture. Don’t forget to season the fish well before frying!

Can I make Copycat Long John Silvers ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the batter and dust the fish fillets ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. This saves time during busy weeknights.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Copycat Long John Silvers?

To avoid soggy fish, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the fish. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature for perfect frying.

Variations of Copycat Long John Silvers You Can Try

Here are some fun twists on this classic recipe:

• Use shrimp for a Copycat Long John Silvers shrimp version.
• Try different fish like tilapia or haddock for variety.
• Make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper to the batter.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend.

For more delicious recipes, check out this ciabatta recipe or this spaghetti with garlic and oil. If you’re interested in seafood, you might also enjoy this cooked sea bream fish recipe.

Copycat Long John Silvers: 7 Secrets to Perfect Fish

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Savor the crispy delight of Copycat Long John Silver’s fish at home. Tender, flaky fish fillets are coated in a golden, seasoned batter that crackles with every bite. Perfectly paired with tartar.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Canola oil
• 3/4 pound frozen cod
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup corn flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon MSG
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup cold club soda
• Kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and tidy your workspace.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Slowly pour in cold sparkling water and stir until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
4. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
5. Season the fish lightly with salt and pepper for flavor.
6. Dust the fish fillets with flour, shaking off any excess.
7. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat, about 2 inches deep.
8. Test the oil by dropping in a small amount of batter; it should sizzle.
9. Dip each floured fish fillet into the batter, coating completely.
10. Gently lower the battered fish into the hot oil, frying in batches.
11. Fry each fillet for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
12. Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg