Shrimp Fritto Misto Olive Garden Copycat – This crispy, golden seafood appetizer, perfectly seasoned and lightly fried, brings the flavors of an Italian seafood platter straight to your plate.
What is Shrimp Fritto Misto?
“Fritto Misto” translates from Italian to “mixed fry,” a concept beloved in Italian cuisine where an assortment of seafood, vegetables, or even meat is lightly battered and fried. Olive Garden’s Shrimp Fritto Misto primarily features succulent shrimp, often paired with crispy fried bell peppers and sometimes calamari, for a crunchy, flavorful bite.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp Fritto Misto
Season Immediately: Once you remove the shrimp from the oil, sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Keep the Batter Light: Using club soda or sparkling water creates a light, crisp coating. Avoid over-mixing, as it can lead to a heavier, denser batter.
Work in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and make the batter soggy.
Use Fresh Oil: For best results, fresh oil helps maintain a clean flavor and ensures a perfect golden finish.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable Twist: Add zucchini, eggplant, or even asparagus for a delicious mix of textures and flavors.
- Seafood Mix: Include calamari, scallops, or even small pieces of white fish like cod or haddock.
- Spice It Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the batter.
Each of these variations adds a unique touch, allowing you to customize the dish based on your preferences.
How to Serve Shrimp Fritto Misto
Shrimp Fritto Misto is best served fresh and hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and paired with a simple dipping sauce. For a restaurant-style presentation, consider serving it on a wooden board or in a shallow basket lined with parchment paper. Pair it with:
Sides: Serve with a light side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a fuller meal.
Dipping Sauces: Besides garlic mayo, try marinara, tartar sauce, or even a spicy aioli.
Storing and Reheating Shrimp Fritto Misto
Although Shrimp Fritto Misto is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Storing: Place the fritto misto in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Reheating: For crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Shrimp Fritto Misto in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Coat the shrimp and veggies with the batter, then place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with oil and cook for about 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I use as a substitute for club soda?
If you don’t have club soda, you can use sparkling water or even a light beer for a similar airy batter. Plain water works in a pinch, though the texture may be less crisp.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the batter fresh, as the carbonation in the club soda will start to dissipate over time, resulting in a less airy texture. However, you can prepare the dry mix ahead of time and add the club soda just before frying.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and double-check that your cornstarch is gluten-free.
Shrimp Fritto Misto (Olive Garden Copycat)
Shrimp Fritto Misto Olive Garden Copycat - This crispy, golden seafood appetizer, perfectly seasoned and lightly fried, brings the flavors of an Italian seafood platter straight to your plate.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shelled, deveined shrimp
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons white onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh parsley
- 1 lemon slice, you will use 5 to 6 slices
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Fried Shrimp
- Heat the Oil: In a large pan, add about 3-4 inches of vegetable oil and heat to 350°F.
- Dredge the Shrimp: Toss shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off excess for a light coating.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden. Drain on a wire rack.
Shrimp Scampi Sauce
- Reduce the Liquids: In a skillet, heat white wine, vinegar, and chopped onion over medium heat until the liquid reduces to about a tablespoon.
- Add Butter & Cream: Add butter pieces, stirring until melted. Then, add heavy cream, salt, white pepper, lemon juice, parsley, and lemon slices. Mix to combine.
- Serve: Place the fried shrimp on a serving plate and drizzle with the rich scampi sauce. Enjoy this crispy, flavorful treat right away!
Final Thoughts
Making Shrimp Fritto Misto at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. With just a few ingredients and some handy tips, you can recreate the magic of Olive Garden’s appetizer right in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a fun family dinner, this recipe brings a taste of Italy to your table. Enjoy!
Check my other shrimp recipes:
