Fritto Misto di Mare
Mixed Fried Seafood
A classic Italian mixed fried seafood dish, featuring a light and crispy coating on shrimp, squid, and small fish, perfect as an appetizer or light main course. Served with fresh lemon wedges.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Small whole fish (e.g., anchovies, sardines, smelt)
- 200 g Large shrimp
- 200 g Squid
- 200 g Semolina flour(For coating. You can also use a mix of semolina and all-purpose flour for a slightly different texture.)
- to taste Sea salt
- 2-3 whole Fresh lemons
- approx. 1.5-2 liters Neutral oil for frying(Such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. Enough to reach a depth of at least 3 inches (7-8 cm) in your pot.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the seafood: Ensure all seafood is thoroughly cleaned and, most importantly, completely dry. Pat each piece very dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy frying. If using whole small fish, make sure they are scaled and gutted. For shrimp, peel and devein, leaving tails on. Clean squid and cut bodies into rings, leaving tentacles whole. Set aside.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
Set up your dredging station: Place the semolina flour in a shallow bowl or plate. Lightly season the semolina with a pinch of salt. Working in small batches, toss the dried seafood pieces in the semolina, ensuring each piece is lightly and evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Heat the oil: Pour the neutral oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, ensuring it's at least 3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a tiny piece of bread or a pinch of semolina into the oil; it should sizzle vigorously and turn golden brown in about 30 seconds.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Fry the seafood in batches: Carefully add a single layer of coated seafood to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy, soggy seafood. Fry for 2-4 minutes per batch, or until the seafood is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Shrimp will turn pink and opaque, squid rings will be slightly firm, and fish should be opaque.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Drain and season: Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the fried seafood from the oil and transfer it to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or to a plate lined with paper towels. Immediately season generously with sea salt while the seafood is still hot. Repeat frying with the remaining seafood, ensuring the oil returns to 180°C (350°F) between batches.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Serve immediately: Arrange the fritto misto on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges. Serve piping hot for the best crispy texture.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure seafood is bone dry before coating for maximum crispiness.
- ✓Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 180°C (350°F) for optimal frying. Too low and it gets greasy, too high and it burns before cooking through.
- ✓Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot and lowering the oil temperature.
- ✓Season immediately after frying while the seafood is still hot so the salt adheres well.
- ✓Serve immediately after frying for the crispiest results.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini blossoms, sage leaves, or thinly sliced bell peppers to the frying mix.
- Experiment with different types of seafood, such as calamari, mussels (shelled), or small whole fish like smelts.
- For a lighter coating, use a mix of semolina and all-purpose flour, or even a light tempura batter.