Description
Crispy fried calamari brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to home kitchens. Home cooks can easily prepare this classic seafood appetizer with simple ingredients and quick techniques for a delicious golden-brown result you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) cleaned squid, sliced into ½-inch rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- lemon wedges (for serving)
- marinara sauce (optional)
- garlic aioli (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Meticulously rinse squid under cool water, then thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness during frying.
- Oil Preparation: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, creating a 2-3 inch depth for optimal frying environment.
- Coating Creation: Whisk flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a shallow container until uniformly blended and lump-free.
- Battering Process: Delicately coat each squid piece in the seasoned flour mixture, gently shaking off excess to prevent clumping.
- Frying Technique: Carefully lower squid into hot oil in small batches, maintaining spacing to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior, cooking for 1-2 minutes until light amber.
- Finishing Touches: Instantly transfer fried calamari to paper towel-lined surface, sprinkle with sea salt, and serve immediately with lemon wedges and preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Prevent Moisture Buildup: Pat squid completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent oil splattering during frying.
- Control Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 350°F heat for even cooking and golden-brown exterior without absorbing excess oil or becoming greasy.
- Batch Frying Strategy: Cook calamari in small portions to prevent overcrowding, allowing each piece to crisp uniformly and maintain optimal texture.
- Season Strategically: Add salt after frying to preserve coating’s crunchiness and prevent moisture absorption that could compromise the crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg