Fried shrimp and calamari recipe
This fried shrimp and calamari recipe is a seafood lover’s dream. It brings together tender shrimp and calamari rings, coated in a light, crispy batter, and fried to perfection. The result is a deliciously crunchy exterior with juicy, tender seafood inside. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main dish, this recipe will have everyone coming back for more. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, this dish is perfect for any occasion and easy to prepare.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 300g |
| Calamari (cleaned and cut into rings) | 300g |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1/4 cup |
| Baking powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Sparkling water or club soda | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | Enough for deep frying |
| Lemon wedges (for serving) | As needed |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | For garnish |
Method of Preparation
- Prepare the seafood: Rinse the shrimp and calamari under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set them aside on a clean plate.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Gradually add the sparkling water or club soda, whisking until you get a smooth, lump-free batter. The batter should be slightly thick but still runny enough to coat the seafood evenly.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or fryer, making sure it’s deep enough to submerge the seafood. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).
- Coat and fry the shrimp: Dip the shrimp into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated, and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in small batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Coat and fry the calamari: Repeat the same process for the calamari rings. Dip them into the batter, coat thoroughly, and fry for 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the fried shrimp and calamari to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. You can pair it with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, garlic aioli, or tartar sauce.
Instructions for Serving and Decoration
- Serve the fried shrimp and calamari on a large platter with lemon wedges around the edges.
- To add some color and freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
- For an elegant presentation, arrange the shrimp and calamari in alternating layers, creating a visually appealing dish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen shrimp and calamari for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp and calamari work well in this fried shrimp and calamari recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating them in batter.
What type of oil should I use for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are ideal for frying as they have high smoke points and will give the seafood a nice, crispy texture without burning.
How do I prevent the batter from becoming soggy?
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (around 180°C/350°F) before frying. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and cause the batter to absorb more oil.
Can I add other seasonings to the batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the batter with different spices like cayenne pepper for heat or dried herbs for added flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour, which also works wonderfully for a crisp texture.
Conclusion
This fried shrimp and calamari recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a touch of the sea to your table. The combination of crispy batter and tender seafood makes it a hit for any meal. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauces and a side of fresh salad or fries for a satisfying and delicious treat that will impress your family and guests. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is sure to become one of your go-to seafood recipes!
if you really love shrimp i propose to you an easy recipe you can try it shrimp teriyaki recipe with rice, try it and let me know how it is.