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Fried Calamari Recipe

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  • Author: Stacy Corbo
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Description

This Fried Calamari recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown calamari rings that are perfect as an appetizer or a light meal. Tender calamari is soaked in a milk and lemon mixture, then coated in a seasoned flour blend and fried to perfection. Served with fresh lemon wedges, this dish is a classic seafood favorite that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound calamari rings (or squid tubes cut into rings)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Calamari:

    1. Thaw the calamari rings if frozen. Pat them dry and place them in a bowl.

  2. Milk Soak:

    1. Pour the whole milk and lemon juice over the calamari rings. Stir to combine and coat the rings evenly.

  3. Prepare Flour Mixture:

    1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, dried dill, paprika, and pepper.

  4. Bread Calamari:

    1. Remove the calamari rings from the milk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
    2. Toss the calamari rings in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
    3. Place the breaded calamari rings onto a plate or sheet pan.

  5. Prepare for Frying:

    1. Prepare a second plate or sheet pan by lining it with paper towels.

  6. Fry Calamari:

    1. Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    2. When the oil is hot, carefully place the battered calamari into the hot oil.
    3. Fry for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown.

  7. Drain and Serve:

    1. When the calamari is finished frying, place it onto the paper towel-lined plate or sheet pan to drain excess oil.
    2. Work in batches until all the calamari is finished.
    3. Serve fresh with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • If using squid tubes, cut them into rings about ½-inch thick.
  • You can use a mix of calamari rings and tentacles.
  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the calamari to prevent soggy breading.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet while frying to maintain the oil temperature.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture.
  • You can serve with marinara sauce, aioli, or other dipping sauces.
  • For added spice, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 350kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Find it online: https://recipever.com/fried-calamari-recipe/