I bet you have always wanted to make Long John Silvers fish, and now you can with this copycat recipe. You will enjoy this Long John Silver’s fish batter recipe as it has crispy fish and a nice golden brown color.
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Crispy Fried Fish
Do you love this crispy batter-dipped fish? Crispy on the outside, with the fish cooked perfectly on the inside, it is hard to resist this fish.
Growing up, this was a favorite restaurant of mine. I remember when the Long John Silver’s first opened in Pueblo, Colorado. My family got in the car, and we soon munched on this fish.
This batter is very close to the Fish and Chips served overseas. This recipe is unique because the fish is crispy, but it isn’t done with a beer batter. Club soda is the key ingredient that makes this crispy fish batter special.
The batter has baking soda and baking powder in it, and when combined with the club soda, it gives the batter a unique lift you will love.
What Makes This Recipe The Best Copycat Long John’s Fish Batter Recipe?
Fish sticks are a staple fast food favorite on both sides of the Atlantic. While England may have a stronger tradition of fish and chip shops, a few popular chains exist in the US, including Long John Silver’s.
For over 50 years, the brand’s restaurants have been churning out deliciously crispy fried fish. While you won’t find Long John Silver’s everywhere, once you taste the crispy batter of their fried fish, you’ll want to enjoy it often. With this tried and true copycat recipe, you can make it anytime!
Why This Is One Copycat Long John Silvers Fish Batter Recipe You Must Try?
This version doesn’t attempt to recreate the classic heavier flavor of Britain’s fried fish. Instead, the battered fish recipe below goes with a more pronounced mixture of seasonings and club soda that recreates the taste of the Long John Silvers fish batter recipe.
Ingredients For Long John Silvers Fish Recipe
To make the batter, you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour
- Corn starch
- Sugar
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Onion salt
- Paprika
- Ground black pepper
- Club soda
You can use seltzer or soda water if you don’t want to use club soda. Carbonation is the key to this recipe for Long John Silver’s fish batter because it keeps it light.
For the fish, you’ll need:
- Any firm white fish
- Lemon wedges, optional
The chain uses both cod and pollack based on availability. But any firm and relatively mild-tasting white fish will do. See the section below on choosing the best fish and more information.
For frying, I use vegetable oil or canola oil. I think peanut oil would also work well, but it is more expensive.
How To Make the Long John Silvers Fish Recipe
- Cut the fish into serving pieces no heavier than 3 ounces.
- Heat the oil in a heavy-bottom pot, Dutch oven, or deep-fryer to 350°F. It is critical that the oil is at the right temperature, so use a thermometer.
- Place paper towels on a baking tray and put a wire rack on top.
- Stir or whisk together all the batter’s dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Immediately before you are ready to fry your fish fillets, add the club soda slowly while continuing to stir.
- Coat the fish in the batter. Let the excess batter drip off the fish.
- Carefully drop the battered fish into the oil. Cook in batches to prevent lowering the oil’s temperature.
- Fry the fish for two to three minutes until golden brown. Turn the fish halfway through the cooking time, if necessary.
- Remove the fish using a spider or fryer basket and place the pieces on the wire rack to drain.
- Let the oil come up to temperature and repeat as necessary.
- Serve immediately.
Different Types of Fish You Can Use
When you make this recipe at home, you can use any fish that you like. Long John Silver’s uses Wild-caught Alaskan Cod. I have made my recipe with cod I purchased at Costco.
I think this would work well with catfish, tilapia, barramundi, haddock, hake, halibut, snapper, or any other white fish you may have. One good alternative is Swai fish, an inexpensive firm white fish that is mild and tastes slightly sweet.
You may even want to check out my Long John Silvers Chicken recipe.
I use my T-fal FR8000 Oil Filtration Ultimate EZ Clean Easy to clean 3.5-Liter Fry Basket Stainless Steel Immersion Deep Fryer, 2.6-Pound, Silver
. I like it because it regulates the heat very well, and it has a filter so you can reuse the oil.
Recipe Tips
I do have some tips on technique:
Make sure your fish pieces are no more than 3 ounces. When the fish is heavier, it will immediately sink in the oil, and the batter may wrap itself around the heating elements of your fryer. If you use a pot to heat your oil in, this may not be an issue.
I like to raise and lower the battered fish pieces a few times when I lower them into the oil. This way the batter can cook just a little, and the expansion of the batter is less troublesome. It isn’t challenging to do at all, but this batter does expand while cooking. It is one of the characteristics that make fish batter so unique.
Other Ways To Use the Batter
The recipe for Long John Silver’s fish batter is so delicious; why not make a double batch of the batter and use it to fry other ingredients?
Make the lightest onion rings. Coat mushrooms, chicken filets, string beans, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for deliciously crunchy snacks. Heck, you can even fry the batter all by itself!
Different Ways You Could Use the Fried Fish
This recipe is also great for preparing fish for tacos and sandwiches. Feel free to experiment with the seasoning to create other flavor profiles.
What To Serve With Long John Silver’s Fish
French fries, hush puppies, and onion rings are traditional, but there isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t get more creative. Try fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Malt vinegar, tartar sauce, and a squeeze of lemon are popular condiments with fried fish.
How To Store the Leftovers
Leftovers will stay fresh for two days in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer.
To store fried fish in the fridge:
- Let the fried fish cool.
- Wrap the fish in individual pieces in a paper towel and put them in an airtight container.
To store fried fish in the freezer:
- Let the fish come down to room temperature.
- Lay out the fish on a baking tray.
- Put the fish in the freezer until frozen, about two to three hours.
- Transfer the frozen fish to freezer bags.
The Best Way to Reheat Long John Silver’s Fish
To reheat thawed fried fish in the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Cook for four to five minutes, or until hot.
To reheat thawed fried fish in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the thawed fish on a wire rack over a baking tray.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until hot.
I hope you enjoy one of my childhood favorites. You could use this batter to dip chicken tenders, shrimp, and onion rings.
Love fish? Try these great recipes!
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Baked White Fish
- Batter Fried Shrimp
- Beer Battered Fish and Chips
- Captain D’s Fish
- Maryland Crab Cakes
- Pan Fried Salmon
- Panda Express Shrimp
- Poached Fish
- Salmon Patties
Popular Fried Main Dish Recipes
Check out more of my easy seafood recipes and the best fast food recipes here on CopyKat!
Long John Silvers Fish Batter Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 16 ounces club soda
- 2 pounds cod or other white fish sliced into 3 ounce pieces
Instructions
- Heat about 8 cups of vegetable oil to 350°F in a fryer or heavy pot.
- Make the batter by combining the flour, corn starch, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, onion salt, paprika, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the club soda to the dry ingredients. Continue to stir as the batter foams.
- Coat the fish pieces with the batter, and drop them into the hot oil.
- Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the batter is golden and the fish pieces begin to float to the top of the oil.
- Drain the fish on a wire rack.
Video
Notes
Can’t Miss Cooking Tips
- To keep the batter from sticking to the bottom of the basket, gently lower fish and hold it for a few seconds to allow it to form up a crust before dropping it into the basket.
- You can swap the club soda for beer for a great flavor.
- Have a little batter leftover? Slice up some onion rings, and make onion rings.
Vicki L
This batter came out perfectly. I used it for a cooking class and everyone loved it.
PJ
I haven’t cleaned up my kitchen yet from making this LJS fish but wanted to stop and write a review. I did not add the salt bc of medical reasons.It was wonderful! I wish I could have ate more of it! The fish was delicious. Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. This southern gal will not go back to cornmeal fish coatings again! I wish I could give it more stars. Delicious.
Dan Baker
KFC extra crispy chicken is first brined and then coated in plain flour, dipped in saltwater type wash and floured again…original recipe is not brined but coated with seasoned flour after being dipped in milk and egg wash, only once. Used to work there and fried literally thousands of chickens.
john taylor
can i get this recipe kfc brined
Dan Baker
Still looking for that elusive LJS taste, especially with many locations closing these days…many recipes can replicate the batter look and crunch, but fall short on the taste aspect. Was wondering if garlic salt or powder is the missing taste? I always dust my fish fillets in flour before dipping them in the batter, makes it stick better and not fall off while frying.
Linda Cordes
I tried the long John silvers recipe first time ive Been able to get my coating to stick. But the batter was very bland. Really spoiled the dinner
Stephanie
I appreciate the comment. The LSJ batter that I have tried hasn’t been what I would call super flavorful, for me, the predominant flavor I get is salt. I am sorry your dinner was spoiled.
Leslie
Every place I’ve looked says LJS uses cod, but whenever I’ve had cod fish & chips at “fancy” restaurants, the fish part has a very unpleasant taste. Are there different types of cod? Or does LJS use a different fish for its ordinary fried fish, and people are only talking about the special menu offerings that specifically mention cod? I avoid cod when eating out, but I love LJS, so it’s a bit of a mystery for me.
Stephanie
I do believe they initially used cod. Nowadays COD is pretty expensive, I believe they use polock now, unless they state what type of fish they are using.
Dave
Back in the 80’s LJS used COD almost exclusively except for their fish shadwiches which used Pollack (very close Pollack is a bit darker with a bit stronger taste. If Pollack cam in instead of COD we would still use the Pollack in place of COD. One secret is to NEVER let the oil temp drop below 350F or you will get greasy fish. On very busy nights (like Fridays) we would boost the oil temp to about 370 or so. Max load of fish was about 3 pounds in a vat with 60 pounds of veg. oil
Stephanie
Thanks for your info! I thought they used cod a long time ago. I remember this place back in the 80s. The fish was so good back then.
A J Resident
“Everywhere you look” is an ambiguous statement. Did you look at Long John’s? Long John’s does serve cod as a dish, but their main fried fish is Alaskan Pollack. https://www.ljsilvers.com/menu/alaska-pollock-meals/
Bc
It is but back in the 70s and forward when the chain started, it used cod. I worked there and my husband was a manager. Cod got very expensive.
Hez
My husband thought it was great. I found it VERY greasy, I had the fat hot enough and drained the cooked fish, I’m still draining the couple of left over pieces, 2 hrs later….
Stephanie
Wow, two hours of draining grease from fish is pretty wild. I know you said your grease was at the correct temperature. Your experience is definitely not the norm. I am sorry the fried fish wasn’t to your liking.
Lisa
I used gluten free flour from WalMart last time I made it with fish. I loved it, and the onion rings were awesome. This time, I used small, cut up turkey because hubby can’t/won’t eat chicken. Even my teen said they, “taste exactly like chicken mcnuggets.” That’s a compliment, lol. I use regular onion powder and cut the salt in half for hypertension reasons. I increased the paprika because I used the cheap stuff. Thank you for creating these recipes. This way, we know what is going into our food and I can adjust our treats to be a little lower sodium and meet special dietary needs.
Stephanie
I am so glad you could make this recipe work for you and your family.
Laura
This batter had the same consistency as Long John Silvers but it tasted a little bland. Next time I think I’ll try using seasoned salt instead of regular salt.
Brian
LJS’s distinctive flavor comes from the proportions of pepper and paprika. There are different types of paprika that vary quite a bit in spiciness. Try adding more of each next time if you don’t mind risking a little “heat” in the batter.
Serina
Can tempura batter be used?
Stephanie
I think you could, but the batter for Long John Silver’s is thicker, it has more body than a tempura batter.
Sandra
Would this work in an air fryer?
Stephanie
It would not work at all. The batter would drip off before it cooked.
sandra
I am diabetic so I made this recipe with chickpea flour
It was delicious
Stephanie
I am glad that worked out for you.
Jenner
I’ve tried other recipes but I didn’t like this one at all. I live in a high altitude and I ended up adding another half cup of corn starch for it to work.
Stephanie
I am sorry this recipe did not work for you. I live near sea level and I am unable to test recipes for high altitude.
Jessica
Perfect batter. Worked for fish and pickles. I substituted beer for the club soda and it was the best batter I’ve had!
Stephanie
I am glad you liked it.
Trey
This was a great recipe and goes amazing with Alligator meat however instead of 1/2 teaspoon of salt,i found a whole teaspoon gives it better flavor.Otherwise its bland.Thank you though.It was great otherwise and the club soda makes a difference
larry
i worked at longjohn silvers as a teenager i was a cook the batter came dry in 5lb bags and you just add water
Paula
Mine turned out so delicious!! Thank you so much 😋😜💖
Steve
Batter turned out fine, but something tasted missing. More paprika? More sugar? It was very bland to the taste.
Stephanie
If you are asking me, I think it could use a bit more salt.
Robbie P
Is the fish from Long John Silvers and chicken from KFC soaked in a brine before it’s cooked?
Stephanie
I don’t think the fish it placed in brine, I am not sure about the KFC chicken.
MELODY ASHCRAFT
APRIL 2, 2020, I ONLY HAD TILAPIA BECAUSE OF THIS CORONA VIRUS, BUT ITS A WHITE MILD FISH AND IT TURNED OUT PERFECT.
CLIFFORD THOMAS
This was s great tasting. But we had trouble with the batter all coming of the fish. Any suggestions would be appreciated
Stephanie
Pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Slowly lower the fish into the oil, give it a bit of time to crust up before you release the fish into the hot oil.
Debera
ya some people don’t get it.. YOU HAVE to dry off your fish/meat AND I do know bout lowering the fish slowly til it does it’s thing..same with french fries and onion rings.. good cooking Steph…
Lisa
Our family loved this! My 7 year old ate two huge pieces. I used tilapia and the batter was thick, not runny at all. Thank you so much, this one is going in our rotation!