Long John Silver’s Cod Fish Batter (Copycat)

It’s fish fry day at the Great Lakes Kitchen. Today we’re making my Long John Silver copycat fish batter recipe. We’ll deep fry some nice cod, coated in that LJS batter, until it’s beautifully golden-brown and crispy.

2 lbs cod fillets, or other mild white fish
1½ cups all-purpose flour, unbleached
4 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 tsp. sea salt
2 tsp. sugar
½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. onion powder
½ tsp. ground paprika
1⅔ cups club soda, or light beer

Combine and mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Add club soda (or light beer) and whisk very thoroughly.

Pat fish dry with paper towels. Then dust with a light coating of corn starch.

Submerge fish in batter and remove, letting most (but not all) of the excess batter drain off.

Put battered fish immediately into the hot oil (preheated to 375°F (190°C/170°C fan, Gas Mark 5).

Fry until a rich, golden-brown colour (usually 3-6 minutes).

Remove fish from oil and set on a wire rack or paper towels for a couple minutes before eating.

Makes 6-8 servings.