Fritto Misto di Mare

Ingredients

For the seafood:

• 1 pound mixed seafood (such as shrimp, calamari rings, small fish fillets, and scallops), cleaned and pat dried
• Salt and pepper to taste
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 cup ice-cold sparkling water
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the lemon aioli:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For serving:

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

• Prepare the lemon aioli by combining mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (180°C).
• In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, egg, ice-cold sparkling water, salt, and pepper to make the batter. It should have a pancake-like consistency.
• Season the mixed seafood with salt and pepper. Dredge the seafood in flour, shaking off any excess.
• Dip the floured seafood into the batter, coating it evenly.
• Carefully place the battered seafood into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
• Once all the seafood is fried, arrange it on a serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
• Serve the mixed fried seafood platter hot, accompanied by the lemon aioli for dipping.