Crispy Calamari Shrimp Fiesta
Table of Contents
Craving a Proper Seafood Feast?
Ever get that hankering for fish and chips, but fancy something a bit fancier ? Honestly, sometimes a girl just needs some crispy goodness.
That's where this Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter comes in! It's got that satisfying crunch, a proper zesty kick, and it's perfect for sharing (or not, I won't judge!).
This Seafood Platter With Shrimp And Calamari is a total crowd pleaser. A good Calamari Platter or a nice Fish Platter is not that easy to find, but this recipe inspired by Dennis Prescott is sure to delight.
Why This Platter Rocks
This isn't just any old fried seafood. Think of this as a step up from the usual takeaway. It is basically a Homemade Seafood Platter .
We're talking restaurant quality Seafood Appetizer Platter right in your own kitchen. No more settling for soggy, flavourless calamari.
Originating from a love of fresh, coastal flavours, this dish is a celebration of simplicity and taste. It's not about fancy techniques or complicated ingredients.
It is about displaying the natural sweetness of the Seafood Platter with a crispy, golden coating. This recipe is somewhere between Easy and Medium difficulty, perfect for a weekend treat.
It takes about an hour start to finish and serves 4-6 people, making it ideal for a family gathering or a lads night in.
Benefit From the Sea
Did you know that seafood is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids? That's good for your heart and brain! This Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter is a delicious way to get your healthy dose.
Perfect for a casual Friday night dinner or a special occasion, this platter is sure to impress. What makes it truly special? It's the perfect balance of textures and flavours, from the crispy coating to the tender seafood and the zesty dipping sauce.
Alright, let's dive into what you need to get this amazing Assorted Seafood Platter cracking!. This Fried shrimp and squid is something you can prepare for the family, and it can also be use as a delicious aperitive or snack.
look into into Deliciousness: Ingredients for the Perfect Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter
Alright, so you're ready to make an epic Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter ? Inspired by the legend Dennis Prescott, This recipe promises crispy perfection.
Let's talk ingredients! Honestly, good ingredients make all the difference.
Main Players: Seafood Central
- Shrimp: 1 lb (450g), medium sized. Peeled and deveined, but tails are optional, you know?.
- Squid: 1 lb (450g), cleaned and cut into rings. Fresh is best, but frozen works too.
Make sure that your shrimp smells fresh, not fishy. The squid should be firm and white. Trust your nose! This is going to be the best Seafood Platter With Shrimp And Calamari .
- Flour: 1 cup (120g), all-purpose. Plus, extra for dusting.
- Cornstarch: ½ cup (60g). This is our secret weapon for extra crispiness!
- Baking Powder: 1 tbsp. Gives it that light, airy crunch.
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp.
- Onion Powder: 1 tsp.
- Smoked Paprika: ½ tsp. Adds a subtle smokiness, trust me!
- Cayenne Pepper: ½ tsp (optional). For a little kick, innit?
- Sparkling Water: 1 cup (240ml), ice-cold! This is KEY.
- Vegetable Oil: About 4-6 cups (1-1.5 liters) for frying.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Explosion
The right seasoning is the difference between Seafood Platter and blandness! We're going for a flavor explosion here.
Garlic and onion powder are essential. They create a savory base. Smoked paprika adds depth, and cayenne gives it a little zing . Don't be shy!
For a quick sub, try Italian seasoning instead of garlic and onion powder. It works a treat!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen for a great Calamari Platter . Honestly, keep it simple.
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Deep fryer or a large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Thermometer (optional, but recommended).
A pot works perfectly fine if you don't have a deep fryer. Just make sure it's heavy bottomed. You can use a large spoon instead of a slotted spoon.
The most important thing is good Assorted Seafood Platter , is to have fun. Happy Cooking!
Crispy Calamari & Shrimp Fiesta: Get Your Seafood On!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Seafood Platter ? This Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter is inspired by Dennis Prescott recipe seafood , and it’s proper lush! We're talking takeaway vibes, but bougier and dead easy to make at home.
Perfect for a Friday night knees-up! So, ditch the soggy batter and grab your apron; it's calamari time! I have personally made this Homemade seafood platter using the inspiration of Dennis Prescott recipe seafood and it was a success in my family.
Prep Like a Pro
Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your mise en place sorted. Basically, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.
This isn't a race, but you don’t want to be scrambling for lemon juice when your calamari is about to burn.
Clean your seafood and cut it into rings and smaller pieces. Safety first! Make sure all your work surfaces are clean and dry.
That oil gets hot, so no splashing about!
Frying Like a Boss: step-by-step
Okay, let's get cooking. It's so easier than you think:
- Pat your shrimp and squid completely dry. No one likes soggy calamari .
- Whisk together 1 cup flour , ½ cup cornstarch , 1 tbsp baking powder , 1 tsp garlic and onion powder , ½ tsp paprika , and a pinch of cayenne in a bowl.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup ice-cold sparkling water. Mix gently . Lumps are your mates here.
- Heat 4-6 cups of vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350° F ( 175° C) . A thermometer is your best friend.
- Dust the seafood with flour, dip in the batter, and carefully lower into the hot oil.
- Fry for 2- 3 minutes until golden and crispy. I like to test a bit of seafood before I fry it all to find the exact cooking time.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Whip up your dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice.
Pro Tips for Cracking Crispy Goodness
Want to take your Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter to the next level? Here are a few cheeky tips I learned the hard way:
- Cold is Key: Keep that sparkling water ice-cold . It makes a difference. Honestly.
- Don't Crowd the Party: Fry in batches to keep the oil temp up. Soggy assorted seafood platter is a travesty!
- make-ahead Magic: You can prep the batter a couple of hours ahead. Keep it in the fridge and give it a whisk before using.
- Be careful with the temperature of the oil, because if it is too hot the outside will burn without cooking the inside, or the other way around.
So, there you have it! My ridiculously easy recipe for a Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter . It's the perfect excuse to ditch the takeaway and impress your mates with a homemade Seafood Platter With Shrimp And Calamari .
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Right then, let's talk shop about this smashing Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter . It's not just about chucking some seafood in hot oil, you know?
Plating Like a Pro & Drink Pairings
Presentation matters! Think of the Seafood appetizer platter like a canvas. Pile that golden Fried shrimp and squid high on a board.
Chuck on some lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a bit of poshness.
For sides, chips are the obvious choice, right? But a light slaw cuts through the richness nicely. As for drinks? A crisp white wine, a cold beer, or even a sparkling elderflower cordial goes down a treat.
Storing the Goodies (If There's Any Left!)
Honestly, this Homemade seafood platter rarely lasts long in my house! If you have leftovers, cool them down completely before popping them in the fridge.
They'll be good for one to two days , tops.
Freezing Crispy calamari recipe isn't ideal, to be honest. It can get a bit soggy. Reheating? Best bet is a quick blast in a hot oven 350° F ( 175° C) to try and revive some of the crispness.
Twists & Turns: Adapting the Recipe
Want to cut down on carbs? Try using almond flour instead of all-purpose. It gives a lovely nutty flavour.
Fancy a bit of a seasonal switch-up? In summer, serve this Seafood Platter With Shrimp And Calamari with a fresh mango salsa. In winter, a spicy tomato chutney adds some warmth.
Nutrition: The Basics
Okay, so Fish Platter is fried, so it's not exactly health food, right? This is a treat, not a daily staple.
It's packed with protein from the Seafood Platter and Calamari Platter . It's got some healthy fats from the oil. Just don't go too mad, yeah?
Honestly, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It’s easier than you think, and the results are restaurant worthy! Get in the kitchen and give it a go. You won't regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter from being soggy? No one likes a soggy bottom!
Soggy seafood is a nightmare, right? The key is to ensure your oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) and that you aren't overcrowding the fryer. Frying in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping too much.
Also, make sure the squid and shrimp are patted completely dry before dredging and use ice-cold sparkling water for the batter. This will result in a light and airy coating.
Can I prepare the Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter ahead of time?
Ideally, this dish is best served immediately for maximum crispiness - think of it like fish and chips, you want it fresh! However, you can prep some components in advance. You can clean and cut the squid and shrimp, and you can also make the zesty dipping sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
Just don't batter the seafood until you're ready to fry. Frying can always be done twice to add to the crispiness of the Squid & Shrimp Platter before serving!
What are some good dipping sauce alternatives for the Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter if I don't like mayonnaise?
No worries, mayo isn't for everyone! Try a simple aioli (garlic mayonnaise), a sweet chili sauce, or a vibrant green goddess dressing. A tangy tartar sauce is also a classic pairing for fried seafood. Or get fancy and make a mango salsa for a tropical twist. Loads of options to experiment with, so get creative!
I'm watching my waistline - is there a healthier way to make this Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter? Is there a "Slimming World" friendly version?
Absolutely! While frying isn't the healthiest cooking method, you can make some smart swaps. Consider using an air fryer for a lower fat alternative. You can also swap all-purpose flour for a whole wheat version. Use less oil when frying, and serve with a big side salad instead of fries.
For the dipping sauce, opt for a Greek yogurt base instead of mayonnaise.
Can I use frozen squid and shrimp for this Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter?
Yes, frozen seafood works perfectly fine, but proper thawing is crucial. Thaw the squid and shrimp overnight in the refrigerator, or use the cold water method for faster thawing (place the seafood in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water).
Make sure to pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels after thawing to remove excess moisture. No one wants watery seafood, do they?
How long does the Crispy Squid & Shrimp Platter last and what is the best way to store it?
Honestly, it's best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the squid and shrimp will lose some of their crispness.
Reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer to try and revive them, but don't expect them to be quite as good as when they were first cooked. Better to be safe than sorry and enjoy it quick!
Crispy Calamari Shrimp Fiesta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 20-30g |