This is a copycat recipe from Long John Silver's! Tastes better IMO

There's something about the crispy, golden fish from Long John Silver's that takes me back to simpler times. Growing up in the Midwest, fish fries were a staple in our community, bringing folks together to share stories and laughter. This copycat recipe captures that nostalgic taste, perfect for those who want to recreate the magic of a classic fish fry at home. It's a delightful way to bring a touch of the past into your kitchen, with a batter that's light, crispy, and full of flavor.

This fish pairs beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw and hush puppies, which add a refreshing crunch and a touch of sweetness to the meal. A side of tartar sauce or malt vinegar is a must for dipping, and don't forget a slice of lemon for that extra zing. For a true Midwestern touch, serve with a warm potato salad or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

Servings: 4 servings

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup cold club soda
1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock)
Vegetable oil for frying

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Gradually add the cold club soda to the dry ingredients, whisking until you have a smooth batter. It should be the consistency of pancake batter.

3. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).

5. Dip each fish fillet into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off.

6. Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.

7. Fry the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

8. Remove the fish from the oil and drain on paper towels.

9. Serve immediately with your choice of sides and dipping sauces.

For a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a bit of heat. You can also experiment with different types of fish, such as tilapia or pollock, depending on what's available. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a lighter batter, you can replace half of the club soda with beer, which adds a nice depth of flavor.