Shrimp Fritto Misto is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring crispy, golden-fried shrimp and a medley of vegetables, all coated in a light, airy batter. Served with a zesty dipping sauce, this dish makes a perfect appetizer or a delightful main course. The combination of crunchy seafood and vegetables with a flavorful dipping sauce creates a satisfying and irresistible meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Light – The batter, made with sparkling water, ensures a delicate, crunchy texture without being too heavy.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a fast yet delicious meal.
- Flavorful Seasoning – A touch of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne adds depth to the crispy coating.
- Versatile – Works well as an appetizer, snack, or main course.
- Perfect for Entertaining – This dish is great for parties or gatherings, served with fresh lemon wedges and dipping sauce.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Fritto Misto:
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into thin strips
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Frying Oil
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there is enough oil to fully submerge the shrimp and vegetables.
Make the Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Gradually add the sparkling water, whisking continuously until a smooth, lump-free batter forms.
Coat and Fry
- Dip the shrimp, bell peppers, and zucchini into the batter, ensuring an even coat. Shake off any excess batter.
- Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and hot sauce (if using) until smooth.
Serve
- Serve the crispy shrimp and vegetables hot with the dipping sauce and lemon wedges on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Mix Up the Seafood – Add calamari, white fish, or scallops for a seafood medley.
- Different Vegetables – Try frying mushrooms, asparagus, or thin eggplant slices for variety.
- Extra Crispy Batter – Use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour for an even lighter texture.
- Spicy Kick – Add extra cayenne pepper or serve with a spicy aioli.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free fritto misto.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as fried foods lose their crispiness when frozen.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
1. What does “Fritto Misto” mean?
“Fritto Misto” translates to “mixed fry” in Italian, referring to a dish of lightly battered and fried seafood and vegetables.
2. Why use sparkling water in the batter?
Sparkling water creates a light, airy texture, making the batter extra crispy when fried.
3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating in the batter.
4. What kind of oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
5. Can I bake or air-fry this dish instead of deep-frying?
While deep-frying gives the best crispiness, you can air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking is not recommended as it will not achieve the same texture.
6. How do I keep the fritto misto crispy?
Serve immediately after frying. If needed, keep it warm in an oven at 200°F (95°C) while frying the rest of the batch.
7. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It is best to make the batter fresh just before frying for maximum crispiness.
8. What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
Besides the lemon-garlic sauce, you can serve it with marinara, aioli, tartar sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo.
9. Can I make this dish without seafood?
Yes, you can make a vegetable-only version with zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and eggplant.
10. Can I use a beer batter instead of sparkling water?
Yes, beer adds great flavor and creates a similarly crispy batter. Use a light lager for best results.
Conclusion
Shrimp Fritto Misto is a crispy, flavorful dish that brings an authentic Italian touch to your table. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, its light, golden batter and delicious dipping sauce make it an irresistible treat. Perfect for seafood lovers and those who enjoy crunchy, savory bites, this recipe is a must-try for any occasion!
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PrintShrimp Fritto Misto
Crispy, golden-fried shrimp and mixed vegetables coated in a light, seasoned batter, served with a zesty dipping sauce. A perfect Italian-inspired appetizer or snack!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Fritto Misto:
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into thin strips
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare for Frying:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Batter:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Gradually whisk in sparkling water until a smooth batter forms.
3. Fry the Shrimp & Vegetables:
- Dip shrimp, bell peppers, and zucchini into the batter, shaking off excess.
- Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix all dipping sauce ingredients until smooth.
5. Serve:
- Serve the crispy shrimp and vegetables hot with the dipping sauce and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Extra Crunchy Tip: Use ice-cold sparkling water for a lighter, crispier batter.
- Dipping Variations: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a tangier dip.
- Vegetable Options: Try mushrooms, asparagus, or eggplant for variety.