Description
This Shrimp Fritto Misto recipe offers a crispy, golden fried shrimp and bell pepper delight served with a spicy ranch dipping sauce. The shrimp and bell peppers are coated in a flavorful seasoned batter and fried to perfection, making it an excellent appetizer or snack with a zesty twist.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Seafood and Vegetables
- 16 oz raw medium shrimp (thawed and drained)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips (can do part red and green)
Spicy Ranch Sauce
- 1/4 cup creamy ranch dressing (e.g., Hidden Valley)
- 1 Tbsp cherry pepper spread
- 3 Tbsp parmesan cheese
- 3 Tbsp Olive Garden dressing
Breading
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp ground cornmeal
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 Tbsp seasoned salt (e.g., Lawry's seasoned salt)
- 1/2 Tbsp garlic salt (Lawry's brand)
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Spicy Ranch Sauce: In a bowl, combine the creamy ranch dressing, cherry pepper spread, parmesan cheese, and Olive Garden dressing. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate until needed to allow flavors to meld.
- Mix the Dry Breading: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, ground cornmeal, all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, garlic salt, lemon pepper, paprika, and dried parsley. Reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture for the wet batter.
- Make the Wet Batter: In a small bowl, combine the reserved 1/2 cup dry breading with 1/2 cup cold water. Stir to form a smooth, liquid batter.
- Batter and Bread the Shrimp and Peppers: Dip each shrimp and bell pepper strip first into the wet batter, ensuring it is well coated, then dredge it in the remaining dry breading. Work in small batches for best results.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Using about 2-3 cups of a mildly flavored oil safe for frying, heat the oil to approximately 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat.
- Deep Fry Shrimp and Peppers: Fry the shrimp in batches, about 6-8 at a time, until they float and turn golden, approximately 2-3 minutes. Fry bell pepper strips separately for about 1 minute as they cook faster.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer fried shrimp and bell peppers onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy Shrimp Fritto Misto immediately with the prepared spicy ranch sauce or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For deep frying, use about 2-3 cups of a mildly flavored oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable or canola oil.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure even frying and prevent soggy coating.
- Fry peppers after shrimp as they require less time and to avoid overcooking.
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor; thaw and drain if using frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 shrimp with peppers and sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
