Description
Learn how to make crispy and delicious Fried Calamari at home with this easy recipe. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these golden rings and tentacles are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound cleaned squid, tubes and tentacles separated and sliced into rings
Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Other:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and Dry Squid: Rinse the cleaned squid under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Prepare Batter: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge and Fry: Dredge the squid rings and tentacles in the flour mixture, then fry in batches until golden and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried calamari to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve with lemon wedges and marinara sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the squid in buttermilk for 30 minutes before dredging.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
