
FRENCH FRIED SHRIMP, FISH AND SEAFOOD RECIPE
A crisp, golden, old-style “French fried” seafood platter featuring shrimp, firm white fish, scallops, oysters, or calamari—coated in a seasoned batter and fried to a delicate crunch.
INGREDIENTS (Serves 4–6)
Seafood Selection (choose any or mix):
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1 lb (450 g) medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 lb (450 g) firm white fish fillets (cod, haddock, snapper, flounder), cut into 1½-inch pieces
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½ lb (225 g) sea scallops
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½ lb (225 g) calamari rings
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1 cup fresh oysters (optional)
Pat all seafood dry so the batter adheres well.
For the French-Fry Style Batter
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cornstarch (makes it crisp and light)
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp fine salt
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1/2 tsp white pepper or black pepper
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1 large egg, beaten
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1 cup cold water or cold club soda (for a lighter, crispier batter)
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1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar (helps create a tender crust)
For Dredging
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1 cup seasoned flour
(Flour + a pinch of salt, pepper, paprika)
For Frying
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Frying oil: peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola
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Temperature: 350–365°F (175–185°C)
Optional Seasoning Dust (After Frying)
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp garlic salt
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Pinch of cayenne
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Pinch of parsley flakes
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the Seafood
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Rinse seafood gently and pat very dry with paper towels.
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Keep shrimp whole with tail on for the classic look.
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Cut fish into even pieces so they fry evenly.
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If using scallops, remove the side muscle.
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Keep everything cold until frying.
2. Make the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Cornstarch
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Baking powder
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Paprika
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Salt
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Pepper
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
Make a well in the center and add:
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Beaten egg
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Cold water or club soda
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Lemon juice
Whisk just until smooth.
Do not overbeat—slightly lumpy batter fries better.
Let batter rest 10 minutes.
3. Heat the Oil
Pour 2–3 inches of oil into a deep fryer or heavy pot.
Heat to 350–365°F (175–185°C).
Keep temperature steady; too cool = greasy, too hot = bitter.
4. Dredge the Seafood
Before dipping in batter:
Coat each piece lightly in seasoned flour.
This helps the batter cling and gives a crisp, professional crust.
Shake off excess flour.
5. Dip in Batter and Fry
Working in small batches:
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Dip fish, shrimp, scallops, or calamari into the batter.
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Let excess drip off.
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Lower pieces carefully into the hot oil.
Fry 3–5 minutes until golden brown.
Turn once halfway through.
Signs of doneness:
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Shrimp: bright pink and curled
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Fish: flakes easily
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Scallops: firm but still juicy
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Calamari: light golden and tender
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a rack.
6. Season and Serve
While still hot, dust lightly with the optional seasoning mixture.
Serve immediately with:
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Lemon wedges
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Cocktail sauce
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Tartar sauce
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Spicy remoulade
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Malt vinegar (traditional fish-house style)
SIDE IDEAS
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French fries (classic “seafood basket”)
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Coleslaw
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Hush puppies
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Pickle spears
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Buttered corn
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French bread or rolls
TIPS FOR PERFECT FRENCH-FRIED SEAFOOD
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Use cold batter for crispiness.
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Never overcrowd the fryer.
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Always pat seafood dry before dredging.
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Maintain oil temperature consistently.
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Serve immediately—this dish tastes best fresh.
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 1/4 c. bread crumbs
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- Lemon
