Long John Silver’s Batter: A Crispy, Light and Flavorful Seafood Coating

Serving: Serve the crispy battered seafood hot and fresh for the best crunch. This batter is perfect for pairing with French fries, coleslaw, or even a simple salad.
Storage: Leftover battered seafood can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For reheating, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to maintain its crispiness. However, freshly fried seafood will always be the crispiest.
Variants:

Beer Batter: Replace the club soda with beer for a more traditional, malty flavor to the batter.
Spicy Batter: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and the cornstarch with rice flour to make this batter gluten-free.
FAQ:

Can I use this batter for other types of seafood?
Yes, this batter works wonderfully for all types of seafood, including shrimp, scallops, and even calamari. It can also be used for vegetables like zucchini or onion rings.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
For the best results, this batter is best used immediately after preparing it. However, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 2 hours before using, but the fizz from the club soda may dissipate a bit, which could affect the batter’s crispiness.

Can I use this batter for frying chicken?
Absolutely! This batter is versatile and works well for frying chicken as well. It will provide a nice crunchy coating when fried.