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
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Prepare Calamari:
- Thaw the calamari rings if frozen. Pat them dry and place them in a bowl.
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Milk Soak:
- Pour the whole milk and lemon juice over the calamari rings. Stir to combine and coat the rings evenly.
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Prepare Flour Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, dried dill, paprika, and pepper.
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Bread Calamari:
- Remove the calamari rings from the milk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Toss the calamari rings in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Place the breaded calamari rings onto a plate or sheet pan.
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Prepare for Frying:
- Prepare a second plate or sheet pan by lining it with paper towels.
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Fry Calamari:
- Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot, carefully place the battered calamari into the hot oil.
- Fry for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Drain and Serve:
- When the calamari is finished frying, place it onto the paper towel-lined plate or sheet pan to drain excess oil.
- Work in batches until all the calamari is finished.
- 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