EVERYTHING Gluten-Free at Long John Silver’s in 2023

written by

Husein Gradasevic

research-based

Long John Silver’s is a famous American fast-food chain best known for its fantastic seafood. Long John Silver’s takes pride in its fresh, top-quality ingredients sourced sustainably to protect the environment for a better tomorrow.

Long John Silver’s was established in 1969 and has expanded to over 700 locations across 38 states today. It is often abbreviated as LJS, which we’ll use in this write-up.

LJS has an extensive seafood menu that includes a variety of batter-fried and grilled items along with a selection of sides and drinks. The menu also offers chicken for people who are not into seafood.

But, if you suffer from gluten sensitivity the options at LJS are relatively limited.

So what’s Gluten-free at Long John Silver’s?

LJS doesn’t have an exclusive gluten-free or allergen menu hence, it’s a bit challenging to select gluten-free items. Judging from their ingredient list, the grilled salmon and grilled shrimp are both gluten-free.

You can enjoy these perfectly grilled meats with your favorite sides to make a complete meal.

Other gluten-free options at LJS include their side dishes which include coleslaw, rice, corn, green beans, and fries. They also have a few famous sauces that are free of gluten.

These delicious options make for a limited list of items that are safe to consume at Long John Silver’s if you suffer from gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease.

LJS is primarily known for its batter-fried fish and shrimp, which are incredibly gluten-rich. This makes the risk of cross-contamination at LJS significantly high since the majority of their menu includes items fried in their flour-rich batter.

Moreover, LJS does not have a gluten-free menu or claims to be an allergy-friendly eatery.

Therefore, if you have Celiac disease or severe gluten allergies, you should stay clear of Long John Silver’s. Risking your health for some food is never a good idea.

This article is going to be an in-depth analysis of Long John Silvers’ menu. We’ll be filtering out all the possible gluten-free options on offer and going through their ingredient profiles to make sure what you order is free of gluten.

We’ll be putting forth some awesome tips for you to ensure a delicious gluten-free meal at LJS.

Table of Contents

Gluten-Free Options at Long John Silver’s

Long John Silver’s is serving up a variety of fresh seafood that is locally sourced. You can order their seafood either batter-fried, baked, or grilled that can be enjoyed over rice or in the form of a platter with your favorite sides.

You can ask for their detailed ingredient list to pick food items that are safe for your consumption.

After carefully dissecting the Long John Silver’s menu and ingredient lists, we’ve conjured up a list of gluten-free items safe for the casual consumer.

If you’re someone who has Celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, we would highly suggest you stay clear of LJS or visit at your own risk.

FIND MORE: What’s gluten-free at Krystal?

Fish & Seafood

You can order the fish and seafood at LJS two ways; grilled or baked. You can select your seafood of choice and have it on top of a rice bowl, as a platter with various sides, or you can enjoy it on its own.

These options are prepared with gluten-free ingredients and should be safe for consumption if proper cross-contamination protocols are followed.

The batter-fried options are a no-go since the batter at LJS is made with wheat flour and contains excessive amounts of gluten.

Baked Alaskan Cod

You can enjoy the fantastic baked Alaskan cod at LJS with a choice of your favorite gluten-free sides or on top of rice. Pair this with your favorite gluten-free sauce, and you’ll have the perfect meal.

Baked/Grilled Shrimp

You can enjoy the shrimp at LJS in two ways; baked or grilled. Combine these with your favorite sides and condiments and you’ve got yourself an appetizing gluten-free meal.

Grilled Salmon

The salmon at LJS is grilled fresh upon your order and it makes for the perfect nutrient-packed meal. You can enjoy it on top of a rice bowl with your favorite gluten-free sides and sauces.

Variety Platter

If you’re like me and like trying a bit of everything on the menu, then the variety platter is perfect for you. It comes with grilled salmon and four pieces of grilled shrimp over a bed of rice and two sides of your choice.

This makes for the most satisfying gluten-free meal at Long John Silver’s.

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Sides

Long John Silver’s offers a selection of sides that are prepared with gluten-free ingredients that you can enjoy with your meal or on their own.

Coleslaw
Rice
Green Beans
Corn
Baked Potato

Sauces

Long John Silver’s boasts a variety of delicious gluten-free sauces that will compliment your meal.

Baja
BBQ
Malt Vinegar
Cocktail
Creamy Garlic Butter

Ranch Dressing
Tartar Sauce
Sweet Chili Sauce
Honey Mustard

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Beverages

Long John Silver’s serves regular non-alcoholic fountain drinks that are all gluten-free.

Amazing Tips for a Gluten-Free Meal at Long John Silver’s

Long John Silver’s doesn’t have a dedicated gluten-free menu, nor does it mention any allergens on its menu. This makes it difficult to judge what’s gluten-free and what isn’t.

They do have a detailed ingredient list that you can read through to filter out the possible gluten-free options. This would require you to have a little background knowledge about the common ingredients that contain gluten.

Here are a few tips to help you navigate through the Long John Silver’s menu and select the best gluten-free options.

Type of Food Being Served

It is paramount that you have some background knowledge prior to visiting the restaurant of your choice.

You should know what kind of food they serve, whether they have strict cross-contamination protocols or not, are they open to order modifications upon request, and whether they have a dedicated gluten-free menu or not.

This vital information will allow you to judge how allergy-friendly a restaurant is and if it’s safe for you to visit or not.

For instance, Long John Silver’s shares the same kitchen space to prepare all of their dishes including the batter-fried fish. This means the risk of gluten contamination is extremely high.

Moreover, LJS does not have a dedicated gluten-free or allergy menu, this shows that they’re not a restaurant that caters to that niche specifically. Therefore, you should practice caution when visiting Long John Silver’s.

Communicate your Dietary Restrictions

You must inform the wait staff and manager about your gluten sensitivity and inquire about any gluten-free options ahead of ordering your meal.

The manager should be able to clearly tell you whether they can prepare a gluten-free meal for you or not. If yes, he will notify the kitchen staff to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

Long John Silver’s has a kind and hospitable staff that will listen to your requirements, but your meal will not be 100% guaranteed to be gluten-free. If you’re going to visit them, do so at your own risk.

Personalize your Order

If Long John Silver’s is open to modifications and adjustments to the preparation method of your meal, then be sure to follow these steps while ordering;

Ask for a single chef to prepare your meal from start to finish to avoid confusion.
Request the chef to clean and disinfect the prep surfaces before preparing your meal to minimize the risk of contamination.
Request the staff to put on a fresh pair of gloves before preparing your order.
Request that ingredients be fetched from fresh tubs to reduce the risk of contamination.

Keeping it Simple

Remember to keep it simple. Stick to food groups you are familiar with to avoid any hidden gluten. Don’t order complex dishes with numerous ingredients that might be in some way connected to gluten.

If in Doubt, Throw it Out

If you’re doubtful of any dish or ingredient on the menu then it’s better to stay clear of it.

And if you think your meal has come into contact with gluten, it’s best to leave it because nothing is worth risking your health over if you suffer from a severe gluten allergy or Celiac disease.

Avoid Rush

It’s recommended to visit a restaurant during off-peak hours since the staff is more relaxed and has the time to listen to you properly and follow proper protocols without being rushed.

The risk of cross-contamination is significantly higher during rush hours.

Cross Contamination Risk at Long John Silver’s

Cross-contamination is a phenomenon that occurs when gluten-free items come into contact with gluten either directly or indirectly. This can be through contaminated gloves, utensils, prep stations, or deep fryers.

For instance, your server assembles your food with the same gloves he used to touch bread or any other gluten-containing items, or they use the same tongs to grab gluten-free items and gluten items.

This is stress-inducing for Celiacs and people with gluten sensitivity because it puts a question mark over seemingly gluten-free items. Therefore, stringent cross-contamination protocols are a must for the protection of customers.

Long John Silver’s doesn’t practice strict cross-contamination protocols, and many of its dishes are prepared in the same area using the same utensils.

Thus, it is paramount that you practice caution or avoid LJS altogether if you suffer from Celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

Gluten-Free Alternatives to Long John Silver’s

Here are a few fantastic alternatives since the gluten-free options at Long John Silver’s are limited. These substitutes will surely satiate your seafood cravings!

Bonefish Grill

Bonefish Grill is another popular seafood restaurant that offers a dedicated gluten-free menu. It also has an impressive variety of gluten-free items. Below are some of the gluten-free items offered by Bonefish Grill.

Mussels Josephine
Atlantic Salmon
Rainbow Trout
Scallops & Shrimp Skewer

Chilean Sea Bass
Lobster Tail
Mahi Mahi & Shrimp
Macadamia Nut Brownie

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co

Bubba Gump Shrimp is a popular American seafood restaurant that takes inspiration from the popular film Forrest Gump. Here are some of the gluten-free items they have on offer.

Shrimp Cocktail
Glazed Salmon
Shrimp Skewers
Fish & Shrimp

Red Lobster

Red Lobster is a casual seafood restaurant where you can enjoy some delicious fresh seafood with friends and family. It is a great alternative to LJS if you’re looking for a variety of gluten-free options.