Pride Of The West Copycat Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

November 10, 2024

This copycat Pride of the West batter recipe delivers a light, crispy coating perfect for frying seafood, meats, and veggies. With a blend of spices and cornstarch, it creates the perfect crunch every time.

Close-up of freshly made Pride Of The West Copycat Recipe garnished and ready to serve

There’s just something about that perfect crunch that makes fried food a comfort food classic. If you've ever tried Pride of the West batter mix, you know it’s all about that delicate balance of light, airy crispiness and flavorful seasoning. Today, we’re diving into a homemade version that captures all of that crunch without any store-bought mix. Imagine biting into a piece of fried fish or chicken that’s perfectly golden on the outside, tender and juicy inside—this is the texture and flavor you’re going to get with this Pride of the West copycat recipe.

Not only is this batter mix easy to whip up with pantry staples, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can use it on everything from fish fillets to shrimp, veggies, and even classic fried chicken. Plus, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can mix this up. You can easily customize it to your taste and even tweak it to use on unique dishes like Air Fryer Crunchy Cream Potatoes or Chicken Souse.

So, if you’re ready to transform your next meal into a crispy, golden delight, read on for the best tips, ingredient choices, and step-by-step instructions.

What is Pride of the West Batter Mix?

Pride of the West is a popular Southern-inspired seasoned batter mix, known for its versatile use in frying everything from fish to chicken to vegetables. Its light, crisp finish brings out the natural flavors of your main ingredient, letting you experience the pure, satisfying crunch in each bite.

This copycat recipe stays true to that original idea but lets you customize it. While Lombatello Steak might call for a different flavor profile, you can use this batter on dishes like Crookie for a unique twist.

Ingredients for the Pride of the West Copycat Recipe

Each ingredient in this batter mix has a purpose. Here’s a breakdown of why we’re using each one and how to get the most out of it.

1. All-Purpose Flour

Flour forms the main structure of our batter. It creates a thick coating and gives us that initial crunch. Use a high-quality all-purpose flour that’s finely milled for the best results.

2. Cornstarch

Cornstarch is the secret to making any fried coating extra crispy. Adding just a little cornstarch in the mix makes a huge difference, giving that golden brown color and the irresistible crunch.

3. Baking Powder

Baking powder isn’t just for baking! It adds a slight lift to the batter, making it light and airy. This is perfect for creating that airy, puffy coating you want with fried foods.

4. Garlic Powder

A bit of garlic powder gives a subtle, savory depth that goes well with nearly any main ingredient. It’s a classic seasoning for Southern-style fried dishes, enhancing the batter's flavor without overpowering it.

5. Onion Powder

Onion powder brings a little sweetness and warmth, balancing out the garlic. It complements the other flavors in the mix, especially when frying hearty ingredients like chicken.

6. Paprika

Paprika doesn’t just add flavor; it gives the batter a nice, golden color. For a smoky kick, use smoked paprika. It’s especially good when frying seafood or vegetables.

7. Cayenne Pepper

For a touch of heat, cayenne pepper is perfect. It’s optional but highly recommended if you like a hint of spice. You can adjust the amount to your liking, so you get just the right level of warmth.

8. Salt and Black Pepper

Salt brings out all the other flavors, while black pepper adds a subtle bite. Both are essential for that perfectly seasoned batter.

If you're looking for more ways to bring flavor to your recipes, try using this batter with Blue Jam Garlic Aioli for a rich dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Pride of the West Copycat Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about copying a boxed batter mix; it’s about elevating your fried dishes to new heights. Here’s why you’ll love making this at home:

Customizable: Unlike pre-packaged mixes, you can tweak this recipe to suit your taste. Add more cayenne for heat, or mix in smoked paprika for a twist.
Inexpensive: With basic ingredients, this batter mix is budget-friendly and requires no fancy equipment.
Perfect Texture: You get that same airy, crispy texture you love from restaurant-style fried food, right in your own kitchen.

Planning a casual get-together or a weekend game night? This batter mix is perfect. You can use it on a variety of snacks, making dishes like Spiedie Sandwich or Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce even more exciting for your guests.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Pride of the West Copycat Batter Mix

Ready to start frying? Here’s everything you need to know to make this copycat batter perfectly every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with an irresistibly crunchy and golden crust.

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined, as an even mix of dry ingredients is essential for that consistent flavor in every bite.

Tip: Sifting the flour and cornstarch can help make the batter lighter. This small step keeps any lumps out and gives your coating a smooth texture.

Step 2: Add the Liquid

Now it’s time to bring in the liquid. For the best results, use ice-cold water or club soda. The carbonation helps the batter get light and airy, creating a crispy finish. Pour in the water gradually, mixing until you get a smooth, slightly thick consistency that will cling to your food without being too heavy.

Personal Note: Growing up, I remember my mom using sparkling water in her batter to make fried zucchini sticks super crispy. The bubbles really work magic, and it’s a trick I still use in my kitchen.

Step 3: Prepare Your Food

Whether you're frying fish, chicken, or even veggies, make sure your ingredients are dry. This ensures the batter sticks well and fries up crispy. For seafood, try patting it dry with paper towels. If you’re using veggies, give them a quick blot after washing.

If you're looking for inspiration, this batter is perfect for unique dishes like Daylily Fritters or Baby Shower Meatballs to add a creative twist to your menu.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a deep pot or frying pan, heat a few inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is crucial—too hot, and the batter will burn; too cool, and the food will absorb too much oil, losing that crisp finish.

If you’re unsure about the oil’s temperature, you can use a thermometer for accuracy. But a small trick is to drop a bit of batter into the oil; if it floats and sizzles without browning too fast, you’re good to go.

Step 5: Dip and Fry

Now comes the fun part—dipping and frying! Coat each piece of food evenly in the batter, then carefully lower it into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to prevent crowding, allowing each piece room to cook evenly. Fry until golden brown, usually 3-5 minutes depending on the size and thickness.

Tip: Try not to flip the pieces too often; let one side get golden before turning. This keeps the coating intact and maximizes that crunch factor.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once your food is perfectly golden, remove it from the oil with a slotted spoon or tongs and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. This step helps keep everything crispy by absorbing excess oil.

Serving Ideas and Dipping Suggestions

This batter mix isn’t just versatile for frying; it pairs well with a variety of dips and sides. Try serving it with Chatelaine Smoked Salmon Roll-On as a fresh, flavorful appetizer, or go all-in with a classic Captain D’s Slaw Recipe on the side.

Here are some more dipping options:

Garlic Aioli: Creamy and garlicky, it’s the perfect match for fried food.
Spicy Mayo: Mix mayo with a little sriracha for a quick, spicy dip.
Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, it brings out the savory flavors in the batter.

For seafood, consider a classic tartar sauce or even a quick Apricot Jam with Bachan’s BBQ Twist for something sweet and tangy.

What Makes This Pride of the West Copycat Recipe a Winner?

The answer lies in its simplicity and adaptability. This recipe takes the familiar ingredients of a basic batter and turns them into something special. Here’s why this copycat recipe should be your go-to:

No Unnecessary Additives: You’re in control of what goes in—no preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Flavor Customization: Whether you like it spicy, smoky, or mild, you can adjust the seasonings to make it your own.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From family dinners to game-day snacks, this batter makes anything you fry a little more exciting.

For special occasions or regional favorites, this batter is just as effective on more unique dishes like Bun Rieu or Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake—yes, the batter’s that good!

Pro Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Here are a few additional tricks that can elevate your Pride of the West copycat batter to restaurant quality.

Use Cold Liquid: The colder the water, the lighter the batter. Try putting it in the freezer for a few minutes before mixing.
Avoid Over-Mixing: Stir the batter until it just comes together. Over-mixing can make it dense.
Keep Ingredients Dry: Moisture can make the batter slide off, so make sure your food is dry before dipping.
Fry in Batches: Crowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, making the coating less crispy.
Serve Immediately: Fried food is best right out of the oil. Prepare your dipping sauces and sides ahead so you can serve your crispy creations right away.