This recipe recreates the signature crunch and flavor of Long John Silver’s in your own kitchen. Just mix up a few ingredients to create this batter, which yields a light, crispy coating, great for fish, shrimp or vegetables. So whether you’re recreating a classic meal or simply putting a little crunch on your favorite dish, this simple-to-follow recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’re Going to Love This Crispy Long John Silver’s Batter:
This batter allows you to make that restaurant-style fried batter without the frills. Here’s why you’re going to love this recipe:
Insanely Crispy Texture: With a combination of flour and cornstarch, this batter fries up extra crispy and stays that way.
Easy to Make: It uses only a few pantry staples, making it a cinch to whip up when the craving hits.
All-purpose: This batter isn’t for fish only — it’s there for shrimp, veggies or even chicken tenders.
True Flavor: Lightly seasoned with salt and optional paprika, this batter, tastes exactly how you want it to like the stuff at Long John Silver’s.
The One to Share: This batter recipe works for family dinners, parties or fish fry nights; you can make it larger or smaller.
Key Ingredients:
Each of these batter’s components helps create the signature crunchy, golden crust:
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the batter structure and holds everything together.
Cornstarch: for an extra crispy finish. Adding cornstarch lightens the flour mixture and aids in developing a crisp, shatteringly light crust when the dough is fried.
Baking Powder: For lift and airiness, helping the batter puff a little as it fries for a fluffy, crunchy bite.
Salt: A seasoning, to balance the basinute-ness of the flour when you dredge the chicken, but also to compound the innate flavor of the fried crust.
Sugar: A pinch, just enough to balance out the salt a little sweetness to round out the flavor a bit.
Paprika (optional): A little bit of mild spice that rounds out the batter, a touch of warmth in the color — but 100 percent optional.
Cold Water: Cool water is crucial to a crunchy outcome, since it keeps the batter light and allows it to coat well.
Full ingredients list with amounts and instructions in the recipe card below
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line Baking Sheet: Lay down parchment paper on a baking sheet so that nothing sticks and for easy clean-up.
Step 2: Prepare For wet ingredients:
Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, use a fork to mash ripe bananas until smooth.So-called very ripe bananas, for sweetness and moisture.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Add the Ingredients: Add to the bananas the rolled oats, blueberries, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
Measure Carefully: A precise amount of each ingredient will deliver the best texture and taste.
Step 4: Mix Thoroughly
Combine Ingredients: Stir until well combined; the oats and blueberries should be evenly distributed. Now you will get a cookie with a balanced dose of each ingredient.
Step 5: Form Cookies and Bake
Fingers Cookies: Using a spoon drop spoonfuls of the mixture on to the baking sheet, few inches apart from each other.
Thin out a bit: With the back of the spoon, push down on each spoonful to flatten it into a cookie. These cookies don’t spread a lot, so shaping them ahead of time ensures the correct form.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and tops are set. Watch them closely so they don’t overcook.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Cool on Sheet: Take the cookies out of the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes since they need to set.
Wire Rack: Move cookies to wire rack, allow to cool completely. Delicious warm or store in an airtight container for 1 week!
Serving Suggestions:
With various sides and sausages, this crispy golden batter makes an excellent accompaniment for multiple different tastes. Here are some tasty suggestions to complement your dish:
Classic Sides: Pair with creamy coleslaw, crisp french fries or golden hush puppies for a true fish-and-chips experience.
Sauces: Bright tartar sauce, spicy cocktail sauce or a swizzle of malt vinegar will all play well with the flavors.
Garnishes: Lend your dish the brightness that will temper the richness of the batter that’s been fried crisp: Wedges of fresh lemon and a scattering of chopped parsley.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Although you should eat this batter fresh, you can store and reheat leftovers for later enjoyment:
Chill: Leftovers may be kept, in an air-tight container, in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
Re-crisping: To re-crisp the batter, after cooking, they can be heated in the oven at 350 F (175 C) for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crisp. Never microwave because this will hoop bathe the batter.
Long John Silver’s Batter Versions:
Here, a few fun variations to put your seal of approval on this recipe:
Herbed Batter: Add 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs, like thyme, basil, or oregano, for an herby twist.
Spicy: Just add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free too.
Beer Batter: Replace half of the water with a light beer for an even airier, slightly maltier batter.
Conclusion:
This Long John Silver’s Crispy Batter recipe is exactly how it’s done — providing a crispy, golden coating that keeps on crisping long after coming out of the fryer. Pair it with your favorite sides for a a crowd-pleasing meal that will keep everyone coming back for seconds! Get that satisfying crunch in each and every bite!
Long John Silver’s Batter: Crispy Perfection at Home
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Forms the base of the batter providing structure.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch Adds crispiness to the batter.
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder Helps the batter rise, creating a light, airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavor of the batter.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika Adds a hint of spice and color to the batter.
- 1 1/2 cups cold water Ensures the batter is smooth and coats the food evenly.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, sugar, and paprika (if using). Whisk together until well mixed.
- Gradually add the cold water while whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Adjust water as needed for a pancake batter-like consistency.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip fish fillets, chicken, or other food into the batter, ensuring an even coat. Carefully place into the hot oil.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with dipping sauces if desired.