Long John Silver Battered Shrimp (Legit Copycat Recipe)

I love Long John Silver's shrimp, and my copycat recipe is better than the original! With its light, crunchy batter, and juicy shrimp, it’s the perfect copycat recipe to enjoy at home. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, my Long John Silver battered shrimp are bound to impress!

Why I Love This Long John Silver Battered Shrimp Recipe

I used to get Long John Silver's battered shrimp a few times a month, so instead of getting takeout all the time, I decided to create my own copycat recipe.

After a few tries, I nailed it! The battered shrimp is extra crispy and crunchy on the outside, and it is super juicy and flavorful. Now I make this shrimp once a week; it's that good! Plus, everyone I've made this for loves it. From adults to kids, it's a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoon corn starch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon paprika
• ¾ cup club soda

How to Make Long John Silver Battered Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Oil and Batter

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan to 350°F over medium heat. In a bowl, mix together the flour, corn starch, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.

Slowly pour in the club soda, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Working one at a time, dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

Carefully place the battered shrimp into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining shrimp. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

My Expert Tips

1. Keep the Batter Cold: Using cold club soda helps create a light, crispy batter. If you’re making the batter ahead, keep it chilled in the fridge until ready to use.
2. Dry the Shrimp: Patting the shrimp dry ensures the batter sticks better and fries up evenly.
3. Fry in Batches: Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, which can result in greasy shrimp. Fry in small batches for the crispiest results.
4. Use a Thermometer: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for consistent frying. A thermometer is a great tool for this.
5. Serve Immediately: These shrimp are best enjoyed fresh and crispy right out of the fryer.

FAQ's About This Long John Silver Battered Shrimp Recipe

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before battering.

What oil is best for frying shrimp?

Vegetable oil or canola oil works well because of their high smoke points and neutral flavors.

Can I make this gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How do I reheat fried shrimp?

Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

What dipping sauces pair well with this recipe?

Tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or even a spicy aioli are all fantastic options.

My Final Thoughts

This Long John Silver battered shrimp recipe brings the beloved seafood chain flavors right into your kitchen. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got yourself a meal to remember!

More Copycat Recipes to Try Next

• McDonald's Filet o Fish
• Chick Fil A Nuggets
• Wingstop corn
• Wingstop lemon pepper wings
• White Castle burgers