Introduction
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor — that’s exactly what you get with this Fried Calamari Recipe. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a snack for game night, or a special starter for dinner parties, fried calamari is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. With the right technique, you can recreate the golden, restaurant-quality calamari right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the calamari:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh squid, cleaned and cut into ½-inch rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For frying:
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough for deep frying)
For serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Marinara sauce or aioli
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the squid:
- If you bought whole squid, clean it thoroughly, removing the head, beak, and cartilage. Rinse under cold water.
- Cut the body into ½-inch rings and pat dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick and ensures crispiness.
2️⃣ Season and coat:
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the squid rings in the mixture until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
3️⃣ Heat the oil:
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or large skillet until it’s about 2 inches deep.
- Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
4️⃣ Fry the calamari:
- Fry the squid in small batches for 1–2 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
- Do not overcrowd the pot, as it will lower the oil temperature and make the calamari soggy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5️⃣ Serve:
- Transfer the fried calamari to a serving platter.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately with marinara sauce or aioli for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Fried Calamari
- Don’t overcook: Calamari can turn rubbery if cooked too long. Aim for no more than 2 minutes per batch.
- Use fresh oil: Old oil can affect the flavor and crispiness.
- Double coating: For extra crunch, dip the squid back into the flour mixture after the first coating.
Conclusion
This Fried Calamari Recipe proves that you can enjoy restaurant-quality seafood at home with just a few simple steps. The crispy, golden exterior and tender squid inside will make this dish a favorite for any occasion. Serve it hot, squeeze over some fresh lemon juice, and enjoy every bite!
