There’s nothing quite like biting into a piece of perfectly fried fish with a light, crispy coating. If you’ve ever enjoyed the famous fish from Long John Silver’s, you’ll love this homemade copycat batter. Made with a handful of pantry staples, this recipe creates a golden, crunchy crust while keeping the fish tender and flaky inside.
Whether you’re planning a family fish fry, making fish tacos, or simply craving restaurant-style seafood at home, this easy batter recipe delivers delicious results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy, light, and golden coating.
Made with simple pantry ingredients.
Perfect for fish, shrimp, or chicken.
Quick and easy to prepare.
Great for fish tacos, sandwiches, or classic fish and chips.
Family-friendly and budget-friendly.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Batter
¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
About ¾ cup cold water (add gradually until smooth)
For Frying
4 white fish fillets (cod, pollock, haddock, tilapia, or similar)
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Kitchen Equipment
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
Tongs
Paper towels or a wire cooling rack
Thermometer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until everything is evenly blended.
Step 2: Add the Water
Slowly pour in the cold water while whisking continuously. Mix until the batter is smooth and slightly thick, similar to pancake batter. Avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Fill a deep fryer or heavy pot with vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the batter stick better to the fish.
Step 5: Coat the Fish
Dip each fillet into the batter, making sure it is completely coated.
Step 6: Deep Fry
Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil. Fry for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once if necessary, until the coating is crispy and golden brown and the fish is fully cooked.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Transfer the fried fish to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
Tips for the Best Crispy Batter
Use very cold water for the lightest, crispiest coating.
Make sure the oil stays at 350°F during frying.
Don’t overcrowd the fryer, as it lowers the oil temperature.
Pat the fish dry before dipping it into the batter.
Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy battered fish pairs perfectly with:
French fries
Fish tacos
Coleslaw
Tartar sauce
Lemon wedges
Malt vinegar
Steamed vegetables
Homemade hush puppies
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftover fried fish in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer for 4–5 minutes until crispy.
Freezing
Freeze cooked fish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this batter for chicken?
Yes. This batter works wonderfully for chicken tenders, shrimp, onion rings, and vegetables.
What is the best fish for this recipe?
Firm white fish such as cod, pollock, haddock, or tilapia are excellent choices because they hold together well during frying.
Why does cornstarch make the batter crispier?
Cornstarch reduces gluten development and creates a lighter, crunchier coating after frying.
Can I use sparkling water instead of regular water?
Absolutely. Ice-cold sparkling water creates an even lighter and crispier batter.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
For the best texture, prepare the batter just before frying. If necessary, you can mix the dry ingredients in advance and add the cold water right before cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Long John Silver’s Batter Recipe is an easy way to recreate the famous crispy fried fish at home. With only a few simple ingredients, you’ll achieve a light, crunchy coating that’s perfect for fish dinners, fish tacos, sandwiches, or classic fish and chips. Once you try this homemade version, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for perfectly fried seafood every time.
Long John Silver’s Batter Recipe (Crispy Copycat Fish Batter)
