Savor the Crispy Delights of Long John Silver's Style Fish Fillets
Embark on a flavor voyage with this Long John Silver's style fish batter recipe, merging the golden crispiness of deep-fried fish with a delectable homemade touch.

Whether it's a laid-back family dinner or a lively weekend gathering, this dish transports the iconic taste of the popular fast-food chain right to your dining table.
Ideal for an enjoyable evening or a joyous event, this recipe encapsulates the essence of that beloved fish fry experience. Ready to elevate your mealtime with a splash of fun and flavor? Let's dive into this straightforward and utterly rewarding recipe.
Flavorful and Crispy: Your New Go-To Fish Recipe — Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Inspiration
This Long John Silver's style fish batter not only recreates the classic crispiness but also amps up the flavor with a perfect blend of spices. Yet tonight, you might be craving comfort. Therefore, use this same confidence in the kitchen to craft Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak with rich onion-mushroom gravy. Because both dishes celebrate texture and depth, the transition is natural and satisfying. And since sides matter, consider a simple bake like these candied carrots for color and sweetness.
Here’s how you can achieve that signature golden sear—now applied to beef patties—plus a silky gravy that coats every bite. With a few pro techniques, your Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak will taste nostalgic, hearty, and weeknight-friendly.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Crispy Fish — and Juicy Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak
- Mind the Mix: Combine the beef mixture gently. Overmixing compacts the proteins, so the patties turn dense instead of tender.
- Form with Intention: Shape thicker, wide patties. Then chill them briefly while you prep mushrooms. This rest helps patties hold shape.
- Sear Like You Mean It: Heat the skillet until butter foams. Next, sear undisturbed to build a crust, which locks in juices.
- Mushrooms Need Space: Cook mushrooms in batches if needed. Crowded pans steam, but space invites browning and deep flavor.
- Broth First, Thickener Last: Simmer patties in broth. Then whisk in gravy mix so the sauce thickens without lumps. As a bonus pairing, warm slices of easy Dutch oven no-knead bread to mop up the extra gravy.

Long John Silver's Style Fish Batter Recipe — Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Details
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 to 8
- Equipment: Large, deep-sided skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, wire rack or plate for resting patties
With these juicy Salisbury steak patties and a glossy onion-mushroom gravy, your kitchen will feel like a cozy diner. Moreover, the aromas alone signal comfort. For another comforting dinner idea, browse this hearty slow cooker Salisbury steak variation when you want set-and-forget ease.
Ingredients:
- For the patties
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced or grated
1 packet McCormick Onion Gravy mix (from the 3 total)
1 sleeve saltine crackers, crushed
1 egg, whisked
¼ cup milk
1.5 teaspoon onion powder
1.5 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Optional: 1 teaspoon Worcestershire powder - For the gravy and mushrooms
3 to 4 cups chopped mushrooms (white or your favorite)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
3.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
3 tablespoon butter, divided
2 packets McCormick Onion Gravy mix (remaining from above)
Serving ideas: Buttery mashed potatoes, green veg, and a warm slice of homemade bakery French bread. If you’re planning a beef-and-potatoes night soon, you may also enjoy this cozy slow cooker beef and potato au gratin.
Directions:
- Prep the Mushrooms, the Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Way: Wipe whole mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Do not soak them. Then dry and chop. Set aside.
- Build the Beef Base: In a large bowl, add ground beef, 1 packet onion gravy, finely diced or grated onion, crushed saltines, milk, whisked egg, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried parsley, and optional Worcestershire powder.
- Mix with Care: Combine gently until just cohesive. However, avoid heavy kneading. The mixture should feel soft but hold shape.
- Shape Sturdy Patties: Form 6–8 larger patties, about 1.5 inches thick and 3.5–4 inches wide. Place on a baking sheet and let them rest while you heat the pan.
- Sear for Crust: Heat a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon butter. Then sear patties in batches, 6–7 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms and they release easily. Transfer seared patties to a clean plate.
- Brown the Mushrooms: Add remaining butter. Once melted, add mushrooms. Cook until golden. Next, splash in Worcestershire or soy. Season with a little black pepper. Continue until mushrooms turn deeply caramelized.
- Simmer into Comfort: Return patties to the skillet with mushrooms. Pour in beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer gently for about 25 minutes, flipping occasionally for even cooking.
- Whisk the Gravy Base: In a bowl, add the 2 remaining onion-gravy packets. Carefully ladle about 1.5 cups hot skillet liquid into the bowl. Whisk until smooth; small onion bits are normal.
- Thicken Smoothly: Raise the skillet to a stronger simmer. Pour in the gravy mixture while whisking around the pan. Simmer about 8 minutes until glossy and spoon-coating. If you prefer thicker, dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in ½ cup cold water. Then add a little at a time until it reaches your ideal consistency.
- Rest, Then Plate: Turn off the heat. Let everything rest 5–10 minutes so juices settle and sauce relaxes. Finally, serve over creamy mashed potatoes and spoon extra gravy on top. For a nostalgic dessert afterward, these no-bake chocolate éclair bars hit the spot.
Ready to Relish!
Your Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak brings classic diner comfort to the table, yet it still feels fresh and balanced. Because the patties are seared well, they stay juicy inside. Meanwhile, the onion-mushroom gravy turns silky and savory, coating every forkful. Serve with mashed potatoes and a bright veg, or choose buttered noodles if you prefer. And for another family-friendly beef dinner, you could also try a crowd-pleasing cheesy hamburger casserole.
This is the kind of meal that invites second helpings and easy conversation. Moreover, leftovers reheat beautifully for tomorrow’s lunch. Above all, it’s simple, soulful cooking you’ll return to often.
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Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak
With these juicy Salisbury steak patties and a glossy onion-mushroom gravy, your kitchen will feel like a cozy diner. Moreover, the aromas alone signal comfort. For another comforting dinner idea, browse this hearty slow cooker Salisbury steak variation when you want set-and-forget ease.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8
Ingredients
-
For the patties
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced or grated
1 packet McCormick Onion Gravy mix (from the 3 total)
1 sleeve saltine crackers, crushed
1 egg, whisked
¼ cup milk
1.5 teaspoon onion powder
1.5 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Optional: 1 teaspoon Worcestershire powder
-
For the gravy and mushrooms
3 to 4 cups chopped mushrooms (white or your favorite)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
3.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
3 tablespoon butter, divided
2 packets McCormick Onion Gravy mix (remaining from above)
Instructions
-
Prep the Mushrooms, the Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Way: Wipe whole mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Do not soak them. Then dry and chop. Set aside.
-
Build the Beef Base: In a large bowl, add ground beef, 1 packet onion gravy, finely diced or grated onion, crushed saltines, milk, whisked egg, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried parsley, and optional Worcestershire powder.
-
Mix with Care: Combine gently until just cohesive. However, avoid heavy kneading. The mixture should feel soft but hold shape.
-
Shape Sturdy Patties: Form 6–8 larger patties, about 1.5 inches thick and 3.5–4 inches wide. Place on a baking sheet and let them rest while you heat the pan.
-
Sear for Crust: Heat a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon butter. Then sear patties in batches, 6–7 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms and they release easily. Transfer seared patties to a clean plate.
-
Brown the Mushrooms: Add remaining butter. Once melted, add mushrooms. Cook until golden. Next, splash in Worcestershire or soy. Season with a little black pepper. Continue until mushrooms turn deeply caramelized.
-
Simmer into Comfort: Return patties to the skillet with mushrooms. Pour in beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer gently for about 25 minutes, flipping occasionally for even cooking.
-
Whisk the Gravy Base: In a bowl, add the 2 remaining onion-gravy packets. Carefully ladle about 1.5 cups hot skillet liquid into the bowl. Whisk until smooth; small onion bits are normal.
-
Thicken Smoothly: Raise the skillet to a stronger simmer. Pour in the gravy mixture while whisking around the pan. Simmer about 8 minutes until glossy and spoon-coating. If you prefer thicker, dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in ½ cup cold water. Then add a little at a time until it reaches your ideal consistency.
-
Rest, Then Plate: Turn off the heat. Let everything rest 5–10 minutes so juices settle and sauce relaxes. Finally, serve over creamy mashed potatoes and spoon extra gravy on top. For a nostalgic dessert afterward, these no-bake chocolate éclair bars hit the spot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes





