The Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz Made a Bold First Impression
For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, from outfitting survival kits to recommending the perfect fishing line. When it comes to cooking in the outdoors, convenience and taste are king, and Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz promises both. It aims to deliver that classic fried chicken taste, right from your campsite or cabin.
I was looking for a simple, reliable way to prepare fish or chicken while camping. The goal was a breading mix that didn’t require a ton of extra ingredients or fuss. The promise of classic fried chicken flavor piqued my interest and offered a welcome respite from the usual camp fare.
Upon receiving the Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz, the packaging was straightforward and functional. The bag itself feels durable enough to survive a trip in a tackle box or backpack. My initial thought was, “Let’s see if this lives up to the hype.”
I’ve used similar breading mixes from Louisiana Fish Fry and Zatarain’s. I chose Shore Lunch because I wanted to try something new that marketed itself specifically toward the outdoorsman looking for simplicity and authentic flavor. While the others are good, I wanted a dedicated product that seemed tailored to my experiences in the field.
My first impression was definitely positive. The aroma emanating from the bag was reminiscent of my grandmother’s kitchen, a comforting blend of herbs and spices. There was definite anticipation to see if the taste matched the comforting scent.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test run with the Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz took place during a weekend fishing trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. I used it to coat freshly caught walleye fillets over a campfire. The only other ingredients required were oil for frying and the walleye itself!
Even in the slightly damp and smoky environment around the campfire, the breading adhered well to the fish. The key was patting the fillets dry beforehand. The breading cooked evenly in the cast iron skillet, producing a golden-brown crust.
The ease of use was remarkable. It only took minutes to dredge the fish and get them into the hot oil. After a hectic day of paddling and fishing, this simple preparation was exactly what I needed. There were no surprises. The mix behaved exactly as expected and produced fantastic-tasting fried walleye.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz in various settings, it’s proven to be a reliable pantry staple. I’ve used it at hunting camp for wild turkey and at home for chicken and pork chops. It consistently delivers a crispy, flavorful crust.
Durability-wise, the mix itself has a decent shelf life if stored correctly in a cool, dry place. I repackage the opened bag in a zip-top bag to maintain freshness. There haven’t been any signs of clumping or degradation, even after a few months.
Maintenance is non-existent, which is exactly what I want in a breading mix. There’s no cleaning involved beyond storing the leftover mix properly. The performance has consistently exceeded my expectations. The Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz brings restaurant-quality fried chicken to the campsite.
Breaking Down the Features of Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz
Specifications
The Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz comes in a 9-ounce package. There are several flavors available to choose from, including the classic fried chicken version I tested. A free recipe booklet is included.
- Weight: 9 ounces (255g). This is enough to bread approximately 2-3 pounds of fish or chicken, depending on the size of the pieces.
- Flavor: Classic Fried Chicken. This delivers a traditional savory flavor profile with hints of garlic, onion, and paprika.
- Ingredients: While the specific ingredients list isn’t available, it’s safe to assume the mix contains a blend of flour, salt, spices, and possibly some form of leavening agent to promote crispness.
- Packaging: Packaged in a resealable bag. The resealable bag helps to maintain freshness between uses.
- Recipe Booklet: Includes a small booklet with recipe suggestions. The recipe booklet offers inspiration beyond simply frying chicken.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the convenience and quality of the finished product. The 9-ounce size is practical for camping and ensures you have enough breading for a decent-sized meal. The classic flavor profile is versatile and appeals to a broad range of tastes.
Performance & Functionality
The Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz excels at its primary job: providing a crispy, flavorful coating for fried foods. The breading adheres well to both fish and chicken, creating a satisfying crunch. The spices are well-balanced and don’t overpower the natural taste of the meat.
The greatest strength is its simplicity. It requires minimal effort and ingredients to achieve delicious results. A slight weakness could be the lack of a detailed ingredients list on the packaging.
The product consistently meets and exceeds expectations. The Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz is easily one of the best breading mixes I’ve used in the field or at home.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward and functional. The packaging is easy to open and reseal, which is essential for maintaining freshness. The weight is manageable for carrying in a backpack or tackle box.
The mix is user-friendly with no real learning curve. Simply dredge your protein of choice in the mix and fry!
Durability & Maintenance
The shelf life of the Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz is fairly long, provided it’s stored properly. In a cool, dry place, it should last for several months after opening. Minimal maintenance is needed. Just reseal the bag tightly after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz comes with a free recipe booklet. There are no specific accessories beyond this.
Customization is easily achievable by adding extra spices or herbs to the mix. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra heat. You could also use different types of oil for frying to alter the flavor profile.
Pros and Cons of Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz
Pros
- Excellent flavor that rivals restaurant-quality fried chicken.
- Extremely easy to use, even in a campsite setting.
- Versatile; works well with fish, chicken, pork, and vegetables.
- The 9oz size is portable and practical for outdoor adventures.
- Inexpensive.
Cons
- The ingredients list could be more detailed.
- The resealable bag could be more robust for long-term storage.
Who Should Buy Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz?
This product is perfect for campers, anglers, hunters, and anyone who enjoys the taste of classic fried chicken but wants a quick and easy preparation method. It’s also great for busy weeknight meals at home.
Those who are extremely sensitive to specific ingredients or require a completely transparent ingredient list might want to skip this product. Alternatively, if you prefer to make your breading mix entirely from scratch.
A must-have accessory would be a good quality cast iron skillet for optimal frying. Another useful item is a pair of tongs for handling the food while it’s cooking.
Conclusion on Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz
The Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz delivers on its promise of providing a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy classic fried chicken flavor. Its portability, ease of use, and excellent taste make it a standout product for outdoor enthusiasts and home cooks alike.
At $4.49, the price is absolutely justified. The convenience and flavor you get for the price point is outstanding.
I would definitely recommend the Shore Lunch SL20 Breading Mix 9oz to anyone looking for a simple and reliable way to prepare fried foods. Grab a bag today and elevate your next camping trip or weeknight dinner!