Long John Silver’s Fiesta Fish Recipe

Long John Silver’s Fiesta Fish Recipe is a favorite of mine for its crispy golden batter and zesty seasoning.

With just a few simple steps, you can have this ready to go for your hungry seafood lovers!

This blend of spices gives this fish an extra kick while maintaining that classic savory taste. Heavenly good!

An important tip: make sure your oil is hot enough to get that satisfying crunch.

How to Make Long John Silver’s Fiesta Fish Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Fish Fillets
• 1 cup Flour
• 1 cup Cornmeal
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 Egg
• 1 cup Milk
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Mix the flour, cornmeal, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.

This forms your dry coating mix that gives the fish its crispy finish.

Step 2:

In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.

This acts as the wet coating to help the dry mix stick to the fish fillets.

Step 3:

Dip each fish fillet into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully covered.

Then, coat the fish in the dry flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

Step 4:

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a drop of water is added!

Step 5:

Carefully place the coated fish fillets in the oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side.

Cook until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Fish

Using the freshest fish fillets you can find greatly enhances the taste of your homemade Fiesta Fish.

Fresh fish gives it a wonderful texture and flavor.

Perfect Oil Temperature

Keeping the oil at the right temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.

Too hot, and the coating can burn; too cool, and it becomes greasy.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Fry the fillets in batches to maintain the oil’s heat and ensure even cooking.

This helps each piece get that perfect crispy coating.

Rest on a Wire Rack

After frying, let the fish rest on a wire rack to keep the coating crisp.

This allows excess oil to drip off rather than soaking into the coating.

What to Serve with Long John Silver’s Fiesta Fish Recipe

Classic French Fries

You can’t go wrong pairing crispy French fries with your Long John Silver’s Fiesta Fish.

The crunchy texture of the fries perfectly complements the tender fish.

Add a sprinkle of salt to make them taste even better.

Creamy Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw is another fantastic side for this dish.

Its fresh crunchiness pairs well with the rich flavors of the fiesta fish.

Adding a bit of tangy dressing can enhance the overall meal experience.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Consider serving garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty option.

Soft, creamy, and infused with garlic, they provide a appealing contrast to the fish’s texture.

Enhancing the mash with herbs like parsley elevates their taste.

Mango Salsa

For a vibrant and fruity side, make a mango salsa.

The fresh mango, paired with red onion and cilantro, adds color and bursts of flavor.

This salsa provides a refreshing contrast to the spices in the fish recipe.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Try serving grilled vegetable skewers for a healthy and colorful option.

Mix bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for a medley of flavors.

Season them with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, then grill to perfection.

Corn and Black Bean Salad

A corn and black bean salad can be a unique side dish.

Mix corn kernels, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice.

This salad offers a hearty, yet light, addition to your fish dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Beer Option

You can replace the water in the batter with beer for a more robust flavor and an added crisp.

The carbonation helps to create a lighter and crunchier texture.

Gluten-Free

To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice.

Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free to keep the consistency just right.

Spice It Up

Add some cayenne pepper or paprika to give the batter a spicy kick.

You can adjust the amount based on your preference for heat.

Healthier Alternatives

For a healthier twist, try air frying instead of deep frying.

Using less oil reduces calories while still achieving a crispy exterior.

How to Store Leftover Fiesta Fish

When you’ve cooked up a delicious batch of Fiesta Fish, storing the leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy them later without losing flavor or texture.

Cooling Down

Allow the Fiesta Fish to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes before storing.

This helps prevent condensation from building up inside your storage container.

Refrigerating Fiesta Fish

Place the cooled Fiesta Fish pieces in an airtight container.

You should line the bottom of the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

Store the container in the fridge, where it will be good for up to three days.

Freezing Fiesta Fish

If you don’t plan to eat all the leftovers within three days, freezing is a great option!

Wrap each piece of Fiesta Fish tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

Place them in a ziplock freezer bag to prevent freezer burn, where they can be stored for up to two months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Letting Batter Rest

You might be tempted to rush, but give the batter a break before using it.

Resting the batter lets the ingredients blend fully, creating that perfect crisp you crave!

Overcrowding the Pan

If you cram too much fish in the pan, you’ll end up steaming rather than frying it.

Allow each piece its own space, helping everything to cook evenly and get nice and crispy.

Using Cold Oil

Cold oil can lead to soggy fish, which nobody wants.

Preheat your oil properly to ensure a crunchy, golden-brown result!