Description
Simple Fritto Misto is a classic Italian seafood dish featuring lightly battered shrimp, calamari, and vegetables fried until perfectly crisp and golden. Served with lemon wedges and marinara or aioli, it’s an impressive appetizer or light meal that is both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Seafood and Vegetables
- 8 oz (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (225 g) calamari rings
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced into wedges
Batter and Seasoning
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Other
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Marinara sauce or garlic aioli, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot, ensuring there is enough oil for deep frying.
- Prepare Ingredients: Pat the shrimp, calamari, and zucchini slices dry thoroughly to help the batter stick better and prevent oil splatter.
- Mix Batter: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to create an even coating mixture.
- Coat Ingredients: Lightly coat the shrimp, calamari, and zucchini slices in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping.
- Fry in Batches: Fry the coated seafood and vegetables in small batches in the hot oil for 2–3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp, ensuring the oil temperature remains steady.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fritto misto from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispness.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping.
Notes
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and prevent soggy results.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness and best texture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced fennel, mushrooms, or green beans to diversify the flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
