Shrimp Fritto Misto is a delightful Italian-inspired appetizer featuring crispy, golden-brown shrimp and bell peppers, lightly battered and fried to perfection. This dish is reminiscent of the popular Olive Garden appetizer, offering a satisfying crunch and savory flavor in every bite. Paired with a homemade spicy ranch or marinara sauce, it's an ideal choice for parties, gatherings, or a special treat at home.
For the Shrimp Fritto Misto:
16 oz raw medium shrimp (peeled and thawed)
½ red bell pepper, cut into strips
For the Spicy Ranch Sauce:
¼ cup creamy ranch dressing
1 tbsp cherry pepper hoagie spread
3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
3 tbsp Olive Garden salad dressing
For the Breading:
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp ground cornmeal
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ tbsp seasoned salt
½ tbsp garlic salt
1 tsp lemon pepper
2 tsp paprika
1 tbsp dried parsley
For the Wet Batter:
½ cup reserved breading mixture
½ cup cold water
Prepare the Spicy Ranch Sauce: In a bowl, combine ranch dressing, cherry pepper hoagie spread, grated Parmesan cheese, and Olive Garden salad dressing. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prepare the Breading: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, ground cornmeal, all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, garlic salt, lemon pepper, paprika, and dried parsley. Reserve ½ cup of this mixture for the wet batter.
Make the Wet Batter: In a small bowl, combine the reserved ½ cup of breading mixture with ½ cup of cold water. Stir until smooth.
Prepare the Shrimp and Bell Peppers: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Cut the red bell pepper into strips.
Bread the Shrimp and Vegetables: Dip the shrimp and bell pepper strips into the wet batter, then coat them evenly with the dry breading mixture.
Fry the Shrimp and Vegetables: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Fry the bell pepper strips for about 1 minute. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Serve: Arrange the fried shrimp and bell peppers on a serving platter. Serve with the prepared spicy ranch sauce or marinara sauce for dipping.
Calories: Approximately 158 kcal
Total Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg
Sodium: 1368 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15 g
Dietary Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 1 g
Protein: 10 g