Italian Fried Seafood

Italian Fried Seafood, or “Fritto Misto”, an easy mixed seafood, tossed with flour, fried and lightly salted. Serve with some homemade french fries and dinner is served.

As far as seafood goes we love it all. A simple Linguine and Seafood or a delicious Italian Fish Soup. Both are perfect for lunch or dinner.

Italian Fried Seafood

The first time I had this dish was at my own wedding reception in Italy. We were actually married in Toronto, but we had a second reception for my husband’s family and friends when we returned to Italy.

I have to say a wedding reception in Italy is like no other. If it starts at one o’clock  you will probably  finish eating at seven o’clock, with all those never-ending dishes, I kid you not!

And yes you would enjoy every minute of it.

If I remember correctly the Fried Seafood dish is approximately dish number four, and usually it is the dish everyone waits for.

Delicious seafood, shrimp, calamari rings and small bites of halibut deep-fried to perfection in a light flour coating and tossed with just the right amount of salt. And of course don’t forget the splash of lemon juice!

After my first taste I knew I would be making this Seafood Fry again and again. This dish is always very common on Christmas eve.

How to make Fried Seafood

• Clean and rinse the pieces of fish then place in a colander to drain.

• Place some flour on a medium-sized plate, toss the drained fish (a little at a time) in the flour.

• Deep fry the fish a little at a time until golden. I separate the types of fish I buy and fry one type at a time.
• Drain the fish on a plate lined with paper towels or a brown paper bag.

• Sprinkle with a little salt and toss to combine.
• Cover and keep warm (in the lowest temperature on your oven) while cooking the rest of the fish.
• Serve with lemon wedges.

What is the best oil for deep frying?

When frying, you should choose an oil that has a high smoke point, such as peanut, safflower, sunflower or even canola oil.

These oils also have a flavour that is either neutral or should not give off a taste to the fried food.

It is a good idea to pay attention to the temperature of the oil. Make sure it never drops below 350F (180C) or you will find that the fried food is anything but dry and crunchy, more like soggy and heavy.

What is the best fish to fry?

I like to use bite size pieces of haddock or cod, calamari rings and medium sized peeled shrimp, Italians also like to fry small fish such as anchovy.

It’s also best to make and eat fried food as soon as possible. Don’t let it sit too long.

December 24th is probably the biggest fish holiday of the year next to of course Good Friday. But I certainly make this Seafood Fry more than two times a year in my house.

I hope you enjoy it enough to make it more than once or twice in yours too.

What to serve with Fried Fish

I sometimes serve this dish with homemade french fries and sometimes I like to make a simple pan-fried potatoes as an accompaniment to this Seafood fry dish.

If you prefer oven baked potatoes, you could always serve Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary  if you prefer.

How to make pan-fried potatoes

In a medium to large pan add 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil,  2-3 peeled chopped potatoes (bitesize)  pieces, sprinkle with oregano, salt, minced garlic if you wish, hot pepper flakes or black pepper and chopped rosemary if desired.

Cook on medium high heat turning often until cooked thoroughly and browned. Serve immediately.

Whatever you choose to serve with this dish,  I am sure this easy and delicious Italian Fried Seafood will be enjoyed. Buon Appetito!