Dive into a sumptuous battered cod filet, replicating the iconic taste of Long John Silver’s. Crafted with simple ingredients like flour, cornstarch, and a blend of savory seasonings, it’s the golden fried delight you’ve been fishing (or clucking!) for.
Ahoy, fellow food adventurers! When I was a wee lass, every family road trip had one pitstop that made my heart flutter – Long John Silver’s. That tantalizing aroma of freshly fried fish and the bite of that perfectly golden batter is enough to send anyone’s taste buds on a voyage. Fast forward a few decades, with a sprinkle of culinary experimentation and a dash of nostalgia, I’ve managed to recreate that exact taste of childhood in my very own kitchen. No more waiting for the next road trip – I can now sail these culinary seas whenever my heart desires!
Why You’ll Love Long John Silver’s Fish:
What makes our “Long John Silver’s Fish or Chicken” recipe the treasure of the seven seas? First, its uncanny likeness to the beloved fast-food classic. Second, the flexibility! While we focus on cod, it’s a batter versatile enough for chicken too. And thirdly, the pure magic of simplicity. With ingredients easily found in most kitchens, it’s a breeze to whisk together a meal that transports you straight to that nostalgic drive-thru experience.
Ingredients For Long John Silver’s Fish or Chicken:
Ah, ingredients – the backbone of any great recipe! Let’s dive in:
- Cod Loins: Firm, flaky, and holds up well to frying. Ensure it’s fresh or if frozen, thoroughly thawed.
- Flour & Cornstarch Combo: Flour provides structure, while cornstarch ensures a crispy outcome.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents give the batter its puff when frying.
- Seasonings: Salt, sugar, onion, and garlic powder – the unsung heroes. Adjust to taste, but don’t skip!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Cod Loins
- ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- ¼ tsp Baking Soda
- ¼ tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
- ¼ tsp Onion Powder
- ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
- ¾ cup Water
Instructions
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Dry Ingredients Assembly: In a sizable mixing bowl, diligently whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Ensure even distribution for uniform batter consistency.
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Incorporation of Water: Gradually add water to the dry ingredients. Stir continuously, ensuring the batter achieves a smooth consistency akin to that of traditional pancake batter.
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Oil Preparation: Use a deep skillet or appropriate frying vessel. It is imperative to monitor the oil’s temperature, ensuring it lies between 360°F and 375°F. This can be determined with the use of a thermometer or by observing the immediate sizzling of a small batter droplet upon contact with the oil.
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Coating Process: Thoroughly submerge the chosen protein (fish or chicken) into the prepared batter. Ensure each piece is uniformly coated.
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Frying Protocol: Carefully place the battered protein into the preheated oil. Fry each side for approximately 3 minutes or until the exterior achieves a golden-brown coloration. Employ a slotted utensil for extraction to allow excess oil to drain.
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Seasoning Post-frying: Once removed from the frying vessel and placed on absorbent paper to remove any residual oil, season immediately with a moderate sprinkle of salt to enhance flavor.
How To Make Long John Silver’s Fish or Chicken:
- Mixing the Dry Ingredients: Begin your culinary voyage by whisking together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and all those flavorsome seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Ensure they’re well integrated, we don’t want clumps of salt interrupting our taste adventure!
- The Water Merge: Slowly introduce the water, stirring continuously until the batter is smooth. Aim for a consistency akin to pancake batter.
- Heating the Oil: Choose a deep skillet or frying pan. The temperature of the oil is crucial! If you have a thermometer, great; if not, a small drop of batter that sizzles immediately upon touching the oil is a good sign it’s ready.
- Batter Bath: Submerge your chosen protein, be it fish or chicken, into the batter. Ensure it’s completely coated for maximum deliciousness.
- Frying to Perfection: Gently lay your battered delight into the hot oil. Fry for roughly 3 minutes each side or until it boasts a sun-kissed golden hue. Use a slotted spoon to extract your masterpiece.
- Final Flavor Touch: Once out of the fryer and safely resting on a paper towel (to soak up any excess oil), give a sprinkle of salt for that extra kick.
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? (I doubt it because it’s so darn delicious!) But if you do, let the fried fish or chicken cool down completely. Store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in an oven at 350°F until heated through, which will retain the crispiness.
Variations and Substitutions:
Looking to spice things up or need an alternative? No worries, I got you:
- Protein Swap: While cod is divine, feel free to use haddock, tilapia, or even shrimp! And of course, chicken is a delightful alternative for the poultry lovers.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan Twist: Replace cod with firm tofu slices. Adjust frying times accordingly.
So mates, there you have it! An old-time classic brought to life in your kitchen. Now, all hands on deck and let’s get frying! 🍤🍗🎣🍽️
