Shrimp Fritto Misto with Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a crispy, flavorful seafood snack that’s a little out of the ordinary, this Shrimp Fritto Misto with Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe is exactly the ticket. I absolutely love how the shrimp come out light and crunchy with just the right amount of seasoning, and the spicy ranch sauce adds this irresistible creamy kick that keeps my family coming back for more. It’s a brilliant recipe to bring out when you want something casual but impressive—perfect for game nights, weekend get-togethers, or even a laid-back dinner.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to get restaurant-quality crunch right at home without fussing over complicated techniques. You’ll find that the combination of cornstarch, cornmeal, and seasoned flour creates a delicate, crispy crust, while frying the bell pepper strips alongside the shrimp adds a sweet pop of color and texture. Trust me, giving this Shrimp Fritto Misto with Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe a go will soon make it your favorite go-to appetizer or light main course!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Shrimp Fritto Misto with Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe plays a special role, from the fresh shrimp that bring a tender bite to the seasonings that pack in flavor—and of course, the breading combo that creates the perfect crunch. Here are the essentials you’ll want to gather before you start frying.

• Raw medium shrimp: Make sure they’re thawed and drained well for best results in frying.
• Red bell pepper: I love using part green and part red for a pop of color, but red adds that sweet balance.
• Creamy ranch dressing: I use Hidden Valley for its classic flavor—it’s the base of the spicy ranch sauce.
• Cherry pepper spread: This gives the sauce a lovely heat, but you can adjust based on your spice tolerance.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty depth to the dipping sauce that you’ll find absolutely addictive.
• Olive Garden dressing: This unique addition to the sauce is my secret trick—it adds herbs and tanginess that brighten the dip.
• Cornstarch: Super important for that light, crispy coating that clings to the shrimp.
• Ground cornmeal: This brings a rustic crunch that you won’t get with flour alone.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the breading mix, helping to bind everything together.
• Seasoned salt: I use Lawry’s to boost the savory flavor in the breading effortlessly.
• Garlic salt: Garlic flavor that’s balanced so you don’t have to add extra seasoning.
• Lemon pepper: For a little zesty brightness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
• Paprika: Adds color and a subtle smoky depth to the breading.
• Dried parsley: A fresh herby note that rounds out the spice mix.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Shrimp Fritto Misto with Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to play around with the breading or the sauce to make it your own!

• Swap the shrimp for calamari rings: I’ve done this often, and it’s fantastic for a classic seafood platter vibe.
• Make it gluten-free: Try using rice flour and a gluten-free cornmeal blend; it still crisps up nicely.
• Adjust the heat level: If you like it milder, cut back on the cherry pepper spread; for more spice, add a dash of cayenne.
• Try a lemon aioli instead: When I want something lighter, a lemony garlic aioli pairs just as well as the spicy ranch.

How to Make Shrimp Fritto Misto with Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce

First things first, combine your creamy ranch dressing, cherry pepper spread, parmesan cheese, and Olive Garden dressing in a bowl. Whisk it together until smooth and flavorful, then cover it and pop it in the fridge. Trust me, letting it chill while you prep the rest of the recipe helps those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Breadings – Dry and Wet

Next, take a medium bowl and whisk together the cornstarch, cornmeal, all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, garlic salt, lemon pepper, paprika, and dried parsley. This is your dry breading mix. Reserve about half a cup of this dry mixture into a separate small bowl, then stir in half a cup of cold water to make the wet batter. This two-step coating process is what gives the shrimp their amazing texture.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp and Peppers

Now, dip each shrimp and bell pepper strip first into the wet batter, letting any excess drip off, then immediately dredge them in the dry breading mix. I like to work in small batches of 6-8 shrimp to keep things manageable. Pro tip: fry the shrimp in batches as soon as you bread them rather than all at once; it helps maintain that perfect crispiness.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about 2-3 cups of mild-flavored oil to 350°F in a deep pot or fryer. Carefully drop the shrimp into the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until they float to the top and turn golden brown—usually about 2-3 minutes. The bell peppers take just about 1 minute, so fry those last. Once done, transfer everything onto a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil.

Serve your golden Shrimp Fritto Misto right away with that spicy ranch dipping sauce on the side for maximum deliciousness.

How to Serve Shrimp Fritto Misto with Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon over the shrimp just before serving—it adds a fresh, vibrant note that balances the richness beautifully. Sometimes a little extra grated parmesan on top never hurts either, especially when guests want to dig right in!

Side Dishes

This Shrimp Fritto Misto pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads, garlic roasted potatoes, or even a tangy coleslaw to cut through the fried goodness. If you want something a bit heartier, serve it alongside creamy risotto or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these shrimp on a large platter lined with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, accompanied by little bowls of the spicy ranch, marinara sauce, and a garlic aioli. It makes for a fun, interactive setup that guests love. Another time, I wrapped them in lettuce cups for a fresh handheld snack that was a hit at summer picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any oil. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. The breading does soften a bit, but it’s still tasty!

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze shrimp fritto misto because the texture changes once thawed and reheated, but if you want to, fry the shrimp, let them cool completely, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together, though reheated crispiness won’t be quite the same.

Reheating

To best revive leftover shrimp fritto misto, gently reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes on a wire rack to help keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the breading soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Fritto Misto with Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my heart for those easy weekends when I want something that feels fancy but doesn’t require a ton of effort. The balance of crunchy shrimp, sweet bell peppers, and that zesty dip always makes me feel like I’m dining somewhere classy—even if I’m just in my pajamas at home. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try; I think you’ll find it as addictive and satisfying as I do!

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