Name: Long John Silvers Fish Batter Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups vegetable oil for frying; 2 cups flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 69 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfectly crispy, flavorful fish from your favorite seafood chain, then you are going to love this Long John Silvers Fish Batter Copycat Recipe. It captures every bit of that mouthwatering crunch and subtle seasoning that makes their fish stand out, but the best part is you get to make it right at home. Whether you’re planning a fun family dinner or just want to treat yourself to restaurant-quality fried fish, this recipe brings all the magic to your kitchen with a batter that turns ordinary fish into an irresistible delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dark metal baking tray lined with white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. In the middle of the tray, there are two raw light beige fish fillets laid side by side. Above the fillets, five small clear glass bowls hold different ingredients: the leftmost bowl holds white flour, the next one has a mix of brown and reddish powder spices, the middle one contains black pepper and white salt, the second from right has a white powder, and the rightmost bowl holds white powdery starch. The ingredients are neatly arranged in a row above the fish fillets. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple staples, but each plays a critical role in achieving that iconic Long John Silvers crispy exterior and tender inside. The balance of flour and cornstarch creates the perfect crunch, while the seasonings gently boost flavor without overpowering the delicate fish. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

8 cups vegetable oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfectly cooked fish without a greasy finish.
2 cups flour: The base of your batter, it provides structure and lightness.
1/4 cup cornstarch: Adds an extra crisp texture and keeps the batter tender.
2 teaspoons sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes and enhance browning.
2 teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the batter puff up just right for that airy crunch.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to keep the batter light and crispy.
1/2 teaspoon onion salt: Adds subtle savory depth and a hint of onion flavor.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild smoky warmth and lovely color to the batter.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Just a pinch for a mild background heat that complements the fish perfectly.
16 ounces club soda: The secret to a light, bubbly batter; it creates amazing crispness when fried.
2 pounds cod or other white fish, sliced into 3-ounce pieces: Firm, mild white fish holds up well to frying and soaks up the delicious batter beautifully.

How to Make Long John Silvers Fish Batter Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oil

Start by heating about 8 cups of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy, deep pot. Bring the temperature to a steady 350°F to get the ideal frying environment. Maintaining the right temperature is key to frying your fish perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping it tender inside without absorbing too much oil.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, onion salt, paprika, and ground black pepper. Stir them thoroughly so that each seasoning and leavening agent is evenly distributed, ensuring the batter will flavor every piece of fish just right.

Step 3: Add the Club Soda

Pour the club soda into the dry ingredients and stir gently but continuously. You’ll notice the batter foam up as the soda activates the baking powder and baking soda, creating those tiny air bubbles that give the batter that legendary crispy lightness.

Step 4: Coat and Fry

Take each piece of fish and fully coat it in the batter. Then, carefully lower the battered fish into the hot oil. Let them fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the batter turns a beautiful golden color and the fish pieces start to float to the surface. This floating is a great indicator that the fish is cooked through and the batter is perfectly crisp.

Step 5: Drain and Rest

Use a slotted spoon or frying basket to remove the fish, then place them on a wire rack to drain any excess oil. This step keeps your fish crunchy by preventing sogginess from steam or oil pooling underneath.

How to Serve Long John Silvers Fish Batter Copycat Recipe

The image shows a basket lined with light brown paper on a white marbled surface, filled with three pieces of golden brown fried fish with a crispy texture on top. Next to the fish are several thick, crisscross waffle fries that are a light golden yellow. Behind the fries is a bright yellow lemon wedge. The basket is round and white underneath the paper lining. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges alongside your fish can elevate the presentation and brighten flavors perfectly. A light dusting of sea salt or a dab of tartar sauce also pairs wonderfully with the crispy batter, enhancing each bite with fresh and tangy notes.

Side Dishes

This classic fish batter shines when served with traditional sides like thick-cut fries, coleslaw, or buttery corn on the cob. Crisp green beans or a refreshing cucumber salad can add a crunchy, fresh contrast that balances the rich fried fish for a meal everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving the Long John Silvers Fish Batter Copycat Recipe in fish tacos with cabbage slaw and a zesty lime crema. Alternatively, serve it as fish sandwiches with lettuce and pickles on toasted buns for a satisfying handheld meal that’s great any time of day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover fried fish, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping it on a paper towel-lined plate or container bottom helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the crust crispier for longer.

Freezing

While the batter is best fresh, you can freeze cooked fish in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents the pieces from sticking together and helps maintain texture upon reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that perfect crunch, reheat leftover or frozen fish in a hot oven around 400°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the batter soggy and chewy instead of crisp and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use fish other than cod for this batter?

Absolutely! While cod is traditional, you can use any firm white fish like haddock, pollock, or tilapia. Just make sure the pieces aren’t too thin so they hold up well during frying.

What makes club soda important in this recipe?

Club soda adds carbonation, which creates tiny bubbles in the batter, making it incredibly light and crispy when fried. It’s a simple trick that elevates this copycat recipe to restaurant-quality.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to mix the batter just before frying to preserve its bubbles and lightness. If you let it sit too long, the carbonation will dissipate, resulting in a denser batter.

Is there a healthier way to make this recipe?

For a lighter option, you could try baking instead of frying, but the signature crunch will be less intense. Using an air fryer can also give you crispiness with less oil, but the traditional deep-fried texture is hard to beat.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a cooking thermometer to keep the oil steady at 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of batter in the oil—it should sizzle and float to the top quickly without browning too fast.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into perfectly crispy fish coated in this Long John Silvers Fish Batter Copycat Recipe right at home. It offers that comforting, nostalgic flavor with a fresh homemade touch and lets you enjoy your favorite fried fish whenever the craving strikes. Give this recipe a try and share the joy of that iconic crunch with friends and family—you might never want to order takeout again!