Long John Silver’s Batter Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 cup cold water (or as needed)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions:
Prepare the oil:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to allow the food to float while frying.
Mix the dry ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika.
Add the water:
Gradually add cold water to the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Adjust the amount of water as needed to reach the desired thickness.
Batter the food:
Dip your choice of fish, shrimp, or vegetables into the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
Fry:
Carefully place the battered food into the hot oil, a few pieces at a time, to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes for fish and 2-4 minutes for shrimp, depending on size.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried items and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve:
Enjoy your crispy batter-fried fish or shrimp with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or cocktail sauce.