Mixed Fried Seafood

Mixed fried seafood, often referred to as Fritto Misto di Mare, is a delightful dish that captures the essence of coastal cuisine. This recipe will guide you through preparing this delicious meal for four people, ensuring you have all the necessary ingredients and step-by-step instructions to achieve a perfect result.

Ingredients

To prepare mixed fried seafood for four people, you will need the following ingredients:

Seafood:
4 medium whole fish (such as cod, mullet, or surgeon), cleaned and scaled
1 dozen small whole fish (like anchovies or sardines), cleaned
4 medium squid, cleaned and cut into rings (tentacles left whole)
About 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on)
Dredging:
All-purpose flour (for coating)
Semolina flour (optional, for a lighter texture)
Frying:
2 quarts of peanut or canola oil (for frying)
Seasoning:
Fine sea salt (to taste)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

Clean the Fish:

Rinse the medium fish under cold water. Ensure they are thoroughly cleaned, scaled, and gutted.
For small fish like anchovies, remove the heads and entrails if not already done.

Prepare the Squid:

Remove the mantle from the head and discard the entrails.
Rinse the mantle under running water and remove the skin using a small knife.
Cut the mantle into rings and set aside.

Prepare the Shrimp:

Rinse the shrimp under cold water. If not already done, peel them while leaving the tails on for presentation.

Step 2: Dredging

Set Up Dredging Station:

In a shallow dish, add enough all-purpose flour to coat each piece of seafood.
Optionally, mix in some semolina flour for extra crunch.

Dredge Each Seafood Item:

Take each piece of seafood and coat it lightly in flour. Shake off any excess flour to ensure a light coating.
For larger fish, ensure they are well-coated but not overly floured.

Step 3: Frying

Heat the Oil:

In a large, deep pan or fryer, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature between 360°F to 375°F (180°C to 190°C). You can test by dropping in a piece of bread; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Fry in Batches:

Medium Fish: Carefully place the medium whole fish into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Use a wire skimmer to remove them and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Small Fish: Repeat this process with small fish like anchovies or sardines, frying them for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Squid: Fry squid rings in small batches for about 2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Shrimp: Finally, fry shrimp for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are crispy.

Step 4: Serving

Arrange on Platter:

Once all seafood is fried, arrange it beautifully on a serving platter.

Season:

Sprinkle fine sea salt over the fried seafood while it’s still hot.

Garnish:

Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the seafood just before eating.

Common Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, frozen seafood can be used; just ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before dredging to avoid excess moisture during frying.

Q2: What type of oil is best for frying?
Peanut oil or canola oil is recommended due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.

Q3: How do I know when my seafood is cooked?
Seafood should be golden brown and crispy on the outside; shrimp should be pink and opaque inside while fish should flake easily with a fork.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Fried seafood is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept warm in an oven at low heat if necessary. Reheating may cause it to lose its crispiness.

Conclusion

Mixed fried seafood is an exquisite dish that brings together various flavors from the ocean with a delightful crunch from frying. By following these detailed steps and using fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. Enjoy this culinary experience with family or friends alongside a refreshing beverage for an unforgettable meal!