There’s just something magical about biting into a piece of perfectly crispy tempura battered white fish. It’s light, airy, and golden, with a shatteringly crisp crust that gives way to tender, juicy fish inside. This recipe is my go-to whenever I crave a lighter version of classic fish fry dishes — whether it’s after a long day fishing or when I’m dreaming of seaside boardwalk snacks. It's a wonderful addition to anyone’s collection of white fish recipes, and if you’ve ever loved a good copycat Long John Silvers fish or even those famous Long John Silvers chicken planks, you’re going to absolutely adore this at-home version.
Crispy Tempura Battered White Fish
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot For maintaining even frying temperatures. A Dutch oven works beautifully.
Cooking thermometer Ensures your oil is at the perfect 350°F mark. If you don't have one, drop a little batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately but not brown too quickly.
Whisk To gently mix the batter. Avoid over-mixing!
Tongs or a slotted spoon To safely turn and retrieve your fish from the oil.
Cooling rack over a baking sheet Helps keep the fish crispy after frying. Paper towels can be used if needed, but they can sometimes cause steaming.
- White fish fillets such as cod, haddock, tilapia, or striper – 1½ pounds, skinless and boneless
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup plus extra for dusting
- Cornstarch – ½ cup
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
- Ice-cold sparkling water – 1 cup or use club soda
- Egg yolk – 1
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Oil for frying – enough to deep fry vegetable or peanut oil recommended
- Optional flavor additions: pinch of paprika garlic powder, or cayenne for a bit of kick
Prepare the Fish
Pat your fish dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Cut the fillets into manageable pieces, about 3-4 inches long. If you’re using striper (great for those looking into striper fish recipes) or any firm white fish like monkfish or snapper, make sure to remove any remaining bones.
Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolk and sparkling water together. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and gently whisk until just combined. The batter should be lumpy — overmixing will create a dense coating instead of a light one.
Heat the Oil
Pour oil into your fryer or pot to about 2-3 inches deep. Heat it to 350°F. Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for getting that perfect copycat Long John Silvers batter texture.
Dust the Fish
Lightly coat the fish pieces in a bit of extra flour. This helps the batter stick better and adds to the overall crunch.
Batter and Fry
Dip each piece of fish into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully lower into the hot oil, working in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip if necessary for even cooking.
Drain and Serve
Use tongs to remove the fish from the oil and place on a cooling rack to drain. Season lightly with salt while still hot.
Perfect Pairings
This crispy tempura battered fish practically begs for a few simple but perfect sides:
- Shoestring Fries or thick, pub-style chips for a full fish and chips experience.
- Tartar Sauce – Classic and creamy, with a touch of dill and lemon zest.
- Vinegar Slaw – Bright, tangy, and refreshing enough to cut through the fried goodness.
- Steamed Rice and Pickled Veggies – For a lighter Japanese-style meal.
- Light Beer or Crisp White Wine – Complements the airy batter wonderfully.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take inspiration from dorado fish recipes and serve the fish in warm tortillas with a spicy slaw for the ultimate tempura fish tacos.
FAQs
1. What type of fish is best for tempura battered fish?
White, firm fish works best. Cod, haddock, tilapia, and even red snapper (for fans of red snapper recipes) are excellent choices. For something different, you could also try a yellow tail fish recipe twist using fillets of yellowtail for a slightly richer flavor.
2. Can I use different fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! This tempura batter is versatile. Whether you're into hearty red drum fish recipes, looking for a great silver fish recipe, or testing out a new monk fish recipe, this batter will coat and crisp beautifully.
3. Is this like Long John Silver's fish?
This version is lighter, but if you're looking to mimic that iconic crunch from Long John Silver, you might want to check out a copycat Long John Silvers or copycat Long John Silvers batter recipe. Those tend to be a bit heavier and craggier — just like the beloved fast-food classic.
4. Do I need beer for this batter?
No beer needed here! Unlike some beer battered fish recipes, the tempura style relies on the carbonation from sparkling water to create a light texture. However, if you prefer beer, feel free to swap — just be sure it’s icy cold.
4. How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Tempura is best eaten immediately, but if you have leftovers, store them uncovered in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes until crisp again.
