Fried seafood is a culinary celebration that brings the delightful flavors of the ocean right to your plate. This easy recipe, featuring a medley of shrimp, crab pieces, and calamari, is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night, planning a casual family dinner, or simply craving something crispy and indulgent, this dish is sure to impress. My first experience with this recipe was during a summer cookout by the beach, where the crunchiness of the fried seafood combined with the freshness of lemon made for a memorable meal that I still crave today.

Why you’ll love this dish

There are numerous reasons to whip up this fried seafood recipe at home. Not only is it quick and economical, but it also has that authentic restaurant feel that makes every bite feel special. Perfect for sharing with family or friends, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, who doesn’t love something crunchy and delicious?

"This fried seafood was the hit of our family gathering! The batter was light and crispy, and the flavors were phenomenal. We all went back for seconds!" — A satisfied home cook.

The cooking process explained

Fried seafood is deceptively simple to prepare, and once you get the hang of it, the process is smooth sailing. Start by heating your oil to ensure that you achieve that perfectly golden exterior when frying. With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, you’ll have deliciously fried seafood in no time.

First, gather your mixed seafood and seasonings, and then prepare the batter. The art of creating a light and crispy coating lies in the right balance of flour, cornstarch, and sparkling water. Once the seafood is bathed in this delightful mixture, it’s time to fry until perfectly crisp.

What you’ll need

For this recipe, ensure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• Mixed seafood (shrimp, crab pieces, calamari), cleaned and dried
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cold sparkling water (add as needed)
• Oil for frying
• Optional: Lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish

Feel free to substitute any seafood based on your preference, or use a gluten-free flour blend if necessary!