Italian Food in Sardinia!! LOBSTER + Fried Calamari on a Boat!

Italian Food in Sardinia!! LOBSTER + Fried Calamari on a Boat! is a medium Italian (Sardinian) recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Mark Wiens on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min

Cost: $60.21 total, $15.05 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 whole (about 500 g) Lobster (cleaned, shells removed, tail kept whole)
  • 200 g Large Scampi (peeled, heads removed)
  • 200 g Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 200 g Calamari Rings (cleaned, sliced into rings)
  • 200 g Rock Fish Fillets (skin removed, cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 150 g Mullet Fillets (cut into chunks)
  • 150 g San Pedro Fish (cut into chunks)
  • 4 medium Tomatoes (diced)
  • 1 large Yellow Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high‑quality, cold‑pressed)
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (leaves stripped)
  • to taste Sea Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Semolina Flour (coarse semolina, sifted)
  • 1/2 cup Water (room temperature for dough)
  • 1 small Fresh Artichoke (trimmed, sliced thin, optional garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Clean and Prepare the Seafood

    Rinse all seafood under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and set aside in separate bowls. Keep lobster whole, cut scampi heads off, peel shrimp, and slice calamari into rings.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Make the Frula Dough

    In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup semolina flour, 1/2 cup water, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Let rest for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prepare the Tomato‑Olive Oil Base

    Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the large stockpot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, stir, and cook 5 minutes until they start to break down.

    Time: PT9M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Build the Seafood Broth

    Add 4 cups water to the pot, bring to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer. Add the whole lobster, scampi, shrimp, calamari, rock fish, mullet, and San Pedro pieces. Simmer 15 minutes, skimming any foam.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: medium‑low simmer

  5. Separate Fry‑Ready Seafood

    Using tongs, remove lobster tail, several shrimp, and a handful of calamari rings. Set aside on a plate; these will be fried later for texture.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Fry Semolina‑Coated Seafood

    Heat remaining olive oil (about 1/4 cup) in the skillet over medium‑high heat until shimmering. Lightly roll the reserved seafood pieces in a shallow dish of semolina flour, shaking off excess. Fry each piece 2‑3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat

  7. Cook the Frula Pasta in the Broth

    With the broth still simmering, drop small spoonfuls of the rested frula dough into the pot. Stir gently; the dough will form tiny dumplings. Cook 8‑10 minutes until they float and are tender.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium‑low simmer

  8. Finish the Stew

    Add rosemary leaves, season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Let the stew rest off heat for 2 minutes to meld flavors.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Plate and Garnish

    Ladle broth with frula into shallow bowls. Arrange fried semolina‑coated seafood on top. Garnish with thinly sliced artichoke and chopped parsley. Drizzle a little extra‑virgin olive oil if desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
25 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Contains gluten

Allergens: Shellfish, Fish, Gluten

Last updated: April 13, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Italian Food in Sardinia!! LOBSTER + Fried Calamari on a Boat!

Recipe by Mark Wiens

A rustic Sardinian seafood stew cooked in a rich tomato broth, served with traditional semolina pasta called frula and crispy semolina‑coated fried seafood. Inspired by Mark Wiens' boat‑side feast in Sardinia, this recipe highlights the island's simple yet vibrant flavors – fresh fish, olive oil, herbs, and just a few ingredients.

MediumItalian (Sardinian)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
30m
Prep
44m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$60.21
Total cost
$15.05
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cleaning and keeping seafood cold to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Maintaining oil temperature while frying semolina‑coated seafood.
  • Cooking frula dumplings just until tender; overcooking makes them mushy.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw seafood with clean hands and separate utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use a splatter guard and keep a lid nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Sardinian Seafood Stew with Frula in Sardinian cuisine?

A

Sardinian seafood stew, often called "zuppa di pesce," reflects the island’s reliance on the Mediterranean sea. The addition of frula, a simple semolina pasta, dates back to ancient shepherd traditions where only flour, water, and salt were available, showcasing the Sardinian philosophy of maximum flavor from minimal ingredients.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Sardinian seafood stew in different parts of Sardinia?

A

In the north, the stew often includes mussels and clams, while the south adds wild herbs like lentisco and mastic. Some villages use a splash of local volcanic wine, and others serve the stew with a side of roasted pecorino cheese.

cultural
Q

How is Sardinian seafood stew traditionally served in Sardinia?

A

It is traditionally served in shallow earthenware bowls with a generous ladle of broth, frula dumplings floating on top, and a side plate of fried semolina‑coated seafood. A drizzle of cold‑pressed olive oil and fresh parsley finish the dish.

cultural
Q

During which Sardinian celebrations is seafood stew commonly prepared?

A

Seafood stew is a staple for the Festa di San Giovanni in June, for coastal village festivals, and for family gatherings after the summer fishing season, celebrating the bounty of the sea.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a true Sardinian seafood stew versus common substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include locally caught lobster, scampi, rock fish, fresh tomatoes, extra‑virgin Sardinian olive oil, and semolina flour for frula. Substitutes like frozen shrimp or generic olive oil work, but they alter the pure, briny flavor of the original.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Sardinian Seafood Stew with Frula at home?

A

Common errors include overcooking the seafood, which makes it rubbery, and boiling the broth too vigorously, which breaks the delicate frula dumplings. Also, using too much oil for frying can result in soggy coating.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe coat some seafood in semolina instead of using a traditional flour batter?

A

Sardinian cooks use semolina because it creates a light, crunchy crust that highlights the natural sweetness of the seafood without adding heaviness. The coarse texture also absorbs less oil than a wheat flour batter.

technical
Q

Can I make Sardinian Seafood Stew ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the broth and frula can be prepared up to a day ahead and refrigerated. Keep fried seafood separate and re‑heat gently in a skillet to retain crispness. Store in airtight containers and consume within 48 hours.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when cooking the frula dumplings?

A

The frula should be small, slightly puffed, and float on the surface of the broth. They should be tender inside but retain a faint bite, similar to al dente pasta.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Sardinian Seafood Stew is done cooking?

A

The stew is ready when the seafood turns opaque and firm, the frula dumplings float and are tender, and the broth has a rich, slightly thickened tomato‑olive oil sheen. A quick taste should reveal balanced seasoning.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Mark Wiens specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Mark Wiens specializes in global food travel, exploring authentic street foods and traditional dishes from around the world while sharing enthusiastic tasting experiences and cultural insights.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Mark Wiens' approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Mark Wiens focuses on immersive, on‑location experiences, highlighting regional ingredients and local cooking methods, whereas many Italian channels concentrate on studio‑based recipes. His style combines storytelling with detailed flavor descriptions.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Seafood Pasta Recipe with Fregola and Clams - Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Recipe
4

Seafood Pasta Recipe with Fregola and Clams - Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Recipe

A traditional Sardinian dish featuring toasted fregola pasta tossed with fresh clams, tomato sauce, and a splash of white wine. Grandma Lulu shows how to purge sand from clams, steam them, and combine everything into a hearty Mediterranean main course.

3 hrs 34 minServes 4$26
Italian
Pasta with Lobster Sauce Recipe
8

Pasta with Lobster Sauce Recipe

A luxurious Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring homemade lobster stock and a rich, aromatic lobster sauce. Follow Nick Stellino's step‑by‑step guide to crack the lobster, extract its flavor into a stock, and finish with perfectly cooked pasta and tender lobster meat.

1 hr 47 minServes 4$115
Italian
This Pan Pizza Ruins Delivery Forever
112

This Pan Pizza Ruins Delivery Forever

A step‑by‑step guide to making a fluffy, airy, and crispy restaurant‑style pan (Sicilian) pizza at home using a simple three‑ingredient dough, uncooked San Marzano sauce, and fresh mozzarella. Includes tips for dough hydration, pan sizing, and achieving a golden crust.

6 hrs 3 minServes 4$11
Italian
I ravioli in un due stelle Michelin toscano con Gaetano Trovato - Arnolfo**
3

I ravioli in un due stelle Michelin toscano con Gaetano Trovato - Arnolfo**

A collection of handcrafted fresh pasta shapes—filled pappardelle, agnolotti, and tortello—using a silky semolina‑soft wheat dough and seasonal fillings of chanterelle mushrooms with wild mint and slow‑food Certaldo onions in a saffron‑infused sauce, finished with chestnut cream and crisp wafers.

2 hrs 50 minServes 4$102
Italian
New Improved Baked Feta Pasta
4

New Improved Baked Feta Pasta

A quick, crowd‑pleasing pasta dish that combines sweet roasted cherry tomatoes with creamy baked feta, a splash of balsamic, fresh basil and a hint of chili. Chef John (Food Wishes) upgrades the viral baked feta pasta with extra cheese, garlic‑infused oil, and a hotter, shorter bake for a richer, silkier sauce.

1 hr 47 minServes 4$17
Italian
Grilled Octopus with Lemon and Herb Marinade.
3

Grilled Octopus with Lemon and Herb Marinade.

A simple, restaurant‑quality Italian‑style grilled octopus. The octopus is first boiled with bay leaf, peppercorns and a wine cork for ultimate tenderness, then tossed in a generous garlic‑parsley‑lemon olive oil dressing and finished on the grill for a smoky char.

1 hr 30 minServes 4$25
Italian
How to make an easy dinner
4

How to make an easy dinner

A quick, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired stew featuring Wild Planet small sardines simmered with onions, garlic, serrano pepper, tomatoes, thyme, and lime, served alongside buttery toasted bread. Perfect for a nostalgic childhood favorite elevated for grown‑up palates.

49 minServes 2$53
Mediterranean
Trader Joe’s viral lobster pasta
5

Trader Joe’s viral lobster pasta

A quick, restaurant‑style lobster pasta inspired by the viral Trader Joe's recipe. Juicy lobster tails, rich lobster bisque, fresh tomatoes, lemon, and Parmesan create a silky sauce that clings to al dente pasta. Perfect for a special weeknight dinner.

40 minServes 4$33
American