Shrimp Fritto Misto with Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe
Shrimp Fritto Misto is a delightful Italian-inspired seafood dish featuring crispy, golden-fried shrimp and bell pepper strips. This recipe combines a seasoned breading with a wet batter to achieve a perfect crunchy texture, served with a creamy, spicy ranch dipping sauce that elevates the flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes a great appetizer or main course for gatherings and family meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 16 oz raw medium shrimp (thawed and drained)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (cut into strips; can use 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 Italian dressing (e.g., Olive Garden dressing)
Breading Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp ground cornmeal
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 Tbsp seasoned salt (e.g., Lawry’s)
- 1/2 Tbsp garlic salt (e.g., Lawry’s)
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Make the Spicy Ranch: Combine the creamy ranch dressing, cherry pepper spread, parmesan cheese, and Italian dressing in a bowl. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until needed to allow flavors to meld.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, ground cornmeal, all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, garlic salt, lemon pepper, paprika, and dried parsley until evenly mixed. Reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture separately for the wet batter.
- Make Wet Batter: In a small bowl, mix the reserved 1/2 cup of dry breading with 1/2 cup cold water to create a wet batter with a smooth consistency suitable for dipping.
- Dip and Dredge Shrimp and Peppers: Dip each shrimp and bell pepper strip first into the wet batter, then dredge it in the dry breading mixture. Work in small batches to maintain crispiness. Begin frying 6-8 shrimp initially, and bread more shrimp as you go. Save frying the peppers until last as they cook quickly.
- Deep Fry Shrimp: Heat oil to medium-high heat in a deep fryer or pot. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top and turn golden brown.
- Fry the Bell Peppers: Fry the breaded bell pepper strips for about 1 minute until crispy and cooked through.
- Transfer to Paper Towels: Remove fried shrimp and peppers with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy shrimp and fried bell peppers hot with the prepared spicy ranch or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are fully thawed and drained to prevent soggy batter.
- Adjust frying oil temperature as needed to maintain consistent frying and avoid greasy fritters.
- The spicy ranch sauce can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Work in small batches to prevent overcrowding and soggy textures.
- Use paper towels to drain excess oil for a crispier finish.
