Crispy Seafood Medley

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined 250g (8.8 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 250g (8.8 oz) calamari rings 250g (8.8 oz) calamari rings
• 250g (8.8 oz) white fish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces 250g (8.8 oz) white fish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) sparkling water 1 cup (240ml) sparkling water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving
• Sea salt, for sprinkling Sea salt, for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Gradually whisk in the sparkling water until a smooth batter forms. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   Dip the seafood pieces into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the coated seafood into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. 6.
   Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the seafood turns golden brown and crispy.
7. 7.
   Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried seafood to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the crispy seafood with sea salt and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined before using. For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in lemon juice and garlic for 15 minutes before coating them in the batter.
• Calamari — To achieve tender calamari, cook them for a shorter time to prevent them from becoming rubbery. It's important to remove any excess moisture from the calamari rings before dipping them in the batter.
• White fish — Opt for firm white fish fillets such as cod, haddock, or halibut. Cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, you can double-coat the seafood by dipping it in the batter twice.
• Serve the Crispy Seafood Medley immediately after frying to maintain its crunchiness.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the batter, such as lemon zest, cayenne pepper, or dried oregano, to add your own twist to the dish.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake the coated seafood in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Seafood Medley as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. Provide lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the seafood to add a tangy kick. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Seafood Medley on a large platter, allowing the golden-brown seafood to take center stage. Place lemon wedges around the platter and sprinkle some sea salt over the dish for an appetizing touch. Serve with a rustic wooden fork for a charming presentation.