Seafood main dishes

Fried fish, Venetian-style

⏱ 30 min🍳 3 min👤 2 pp★★☆☆☆

Among the cuisines of Italy that use fresh ingredients such as those offered up by the sea, and which specialise in recipes and dishes of lightness and full flavour, the city of Venice is full of interesting examples based on seafood from the lagoon. Our recipe today is something quite delightful: fried fish, including prawns and baby squid, which give your guests the pleasure of a delicious meal but which is really very easy to make. So let’s get inspired by the intoxicating freshness of our fish and then impress your guests with an authentic meal that will take them straight to the magical streets of Venice.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
28g
Carbohydrates
52g
Fat
18g
Fiber
1.5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Total time
3 minutes Active time
Serves 2 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Put all the small fish to soak in milk for about 15 minutes. Prepare a baking tray, an oven proof dish or a large plate, whatever is convenient, and place the flour in it. Drain a few of the fish at a time and dip them in the flour, being careful not to let them stick together. Shake off any excess flour and transfer them to a deep-fat fryer or high-sided frying pan full of boiling oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes and then drain them of excess oil. Place the fish on a plate with a paper towel to dry, and salt to taste. Serve your fried fish on a small plate with some polenta or in a paper cornet.

Tips
To best enjoy our fried fish Venetian-style, besides buying the fish as fresh as possible, you should not underestimate the importance of uncorking a bottle of good white wine, such as a Pinot Gris.
Trivia
In our Venetian-style fried fish we include ‘schie’, a kind of small prawn distinguished by its greyish colour, and ‘marsioni’, a type of small fish of the Adriatic used for frying.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Venetian Fried Seafood with Baby Squid and Shrimp

One of the tastiest variations of Venetian fried seafood involves the use of baby squid and shrimp, two ingredients that enrich the dish with authentic flavors. This preparation is perfect for those who want to savor a mixed fry that enhances the taste of fresh fish. To make it, follow the basic recipe, but be sure to choose small baby squid and fresh shrimp, which are typical of the Venetian lagoon. Their sweetness and tenderness pair perfectly with the crunchiness of the fry, making the dish irresistible. You can serve the Venetian fried seafood with a squeeze of lemon and a side of grilled vegetables for a complete and flavorful meal.

Venetian Fried Seafood in Veneto Style

Venetian fried seafood is a typical dish from Veneto, distinguished by its simplicity and goodness. This preparation is characterized by the freshness of the ingredients and the frying technique, which must be executed precisely to achieve a crunchy and golden result. In this regional variant, local fish such as mullet and shrimp are used, giving the dish an authentic and unmistakable flavor. It is important to soak the fish in milk before coating them in flour, as this step helps maintain the fish's tenderness during frying. Served hot, Venetian fried seafood is a dish to share with family or friends, perfect for a summer lunch by the sea.

Light Venetian Fried Seafood without Milk

For those who are health-conscious or lactose intolerant, there is a light version of Venetian fried seafood that does not use milk. In this preparation, you can replace the milk with sparkling water, which gives excellent lightness and crunchiness to the batter. Additionally, using an air fryer, you can achieve a result similar to the traditional one but with a significant reduction in calories and fats. This variant is ideal for those who do not want to give up the taste of frying but desire a healthier option. Accompany the fry with a light sauce made of yogurt and aromatic herbs for a fresh and light meal.

Benefits of Venetian Fried Seafood: Fresh Fish and Calories

Venetian fried seafood, while being a fried dish, has some benefits thanks to the use of fresh fish. Fish such as mullet and baby squid are rich in high-quality proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Additionally, fish is a source of essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. However, since it is a fried dish, it is important to moderate its consumption. On average, a serving of Venetian fried seafood can contain about 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the ingredients. It is advisable to enjoy it in moderation, perhaps as part of a balanced meal.

Can Venetian Fried Seafood be Frozen?

Many wonder if it is possible to freeze Venetian fried seafood. The answer is yes, but there are some precautions to follow. It is advisable to freeze the fry only if it has been prepared with fresh fish and has not been reheated. To freeze it, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or food bags, being careful to remove as much air as possible. This way, you will avoid frost formation and the risk of altering the flavor. When you want to consume it, it is better to thaw it in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven to maintain its crunchiness. However, the recommendation is to enjoy it fresh to fully appreciate its flavor and texture.