Long John Silver’s Crispy Batter

 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp paprika (color, optional)
• 1 cup very cold club soda (or sparkling water)

For the fish/chicken

• 600–800 g white fish fillets (cod, pollock, haddock) or chicken tenders
• Extra flour for dusting
• Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola)

 Method (Why this batter works)

• Cornstarch weakens gluten → lighter, crisper shell
• Baking powder + soda + carbonation → bubbles and lift
• Cold liquid + hot oil → instant steam, airy crust
• Thin batter → lacy, craggy texture like the original

 Instructions

see continuation on next page