Description
Fritto Misto is a classic Italian dish featuring a crispy assortment of fried seafood and vegetables, including calamari, shrimp, zucchini, carrot, and parsley. Lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, it’s a flavorful and crunchy appetizer or main course that pairs beautifully with lemon wedges and various dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood and Vegetables
- 8 ounces calamari rings
- 8 ounces small shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup whole fresh parsley leaves
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup club soda or sparkling water (cold)
Other
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C), preparing it for frying the battered ingredients.
- Prepare the seafood and vegetables: Pat the calamari rings, shrimp, zucchini slices, carrot julienne, and parsley leaves dry with paper towels to remove moisture which helps achieve a crisp texture during frying.
- Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Gradually stir in the cold club soda or sparkling water until a smooth, thin batter forms.
- Batter and fry in batches: Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding, dip the seafood and vegetables into the batter, shaking off any excess. Carefully lower each batch into the hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes until the pieces turn golden and crispy.
- Drain and season: Remove the fried items with a slotted spoon and transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still hot, sprinkle lightly with salt for enhanced flavor.
- Serve: Serve the fritto misto immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges and optional dipping sauces such as aioli or marinara to complement the crispy seafood and vegetables.
Notes
- Serve with aioli, marinara, or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
- Ensure the batter remains cold to maintain its lightness and the oil stays hot for the crispiest results.
- Avoid overcrowding the frying pan, as it can cause sogginess by lowering the oil temperature.
