Ingredients:
For the Seafood:
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb fish fillets (cod, haddock, or catfish), cut into portions
12 oz calamari rings
12 oz sea scallops
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Dipping Sauces:
Tartar sauce
Cocktail sauce
Lemon wedges
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seafood:
Rinse the shrimp, fish fillets, calamari, and scallops, then pat them dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, combine the seafood with the buttermilk and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes. This helps tenderize the seafood and bind the coating.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large, deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil is deep enough to fully submerge the seafood.
4. Fry the Seafood:
Remove the seafood from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
Fry the seafood in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for:
Shrimp: 2-3 minutes
Fish fillets: 4-5 minutes
Calamari: 1-2 minutes
Scallops: 2-3 minutes
The seafood should be golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Serve:
Arrange the fried seafood on a large platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve with tartar sauce and cocktail sauce on the side.
This Fried Seafood Platter is perfect for seafood lovers, offering a variety of textures and flavors in every bite. Great for sharing with friends and family! 🦐🐟🦑
