The most delicious seafood recipe
These are the top reasons why we think you need to make these Fried Calamari as soon as possible:
- this is a beginner-friendly recipe great for any day of the year
- it's made in 15 minutes from the kitchen counter to table
- the calamari is golden brown, and crispy, and the interior is soft and juicy
- dairy-free
How to make Fried Calamari at home
The Fried Calamari is a beautiful main dish that won't take more than 15 minutes to make. The preparation and frying process is quick and straightforward. You can find the whole list of ingredients below; here is a quick overview for easier preparation.
- Prepare the squid and cut it into smaller chunks.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan.
- Fry the squid until crispy and delicious.
- Transfer to a wire rack lined with parchment paper.
- Serve with your favorite side dish and sauce.
What to serve with Fried Calamari
This Fried Calamari is the perfect seafood lunch or dinner idea. Serve it as a main dish with any of these sides and sauces:
- Roast Potatoes with Paprika
- Baked Potato Wedges with Yogurt Dip
- Fried Potatoes
- Tartar Sauce
- Homemade Mayo
Storing
It's best to serve these Fried Calamari immediately. We don't recommend storing them, as the texture changes quickly.
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METHOD
-
cut the squid
Use fresh or frozen (defrosted) calamari. Clean them under running water and pat dry using paper towels. Cut the squid tubes into 2 cm / 1-inch rings using a sharp knife. Leave the tentacles whole. Season lightly with salt, then pat dry with a paper towel again.
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heat the oil
Pour canola oil into a frying pan and place over high heat. Bring the oil to 175 °C / 350 °F. The easiest way to test this if you don't have a thermometer is by carefully dipping the end of the wooden spoon into the hot oil. When tiny bubbles start to appear, the oil is ready for frying.
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deep fry the calamari
Make the coating while the oil is heating up. Add semolina to a large plate, paprika powder, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Stir to combine and coat the calamari evenly. Shake off any excess semolina. The easiest way to do that is by placing the calamari into the colander and shaking off any extra flour.
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deep fry and serve
Working in batches of two or three, deep fry the calamari. Fry for 1 - 2 minutes or until the calamari is tender and crispy, then transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels. Serve as soon as possible with your favorite side dishes like french fries and tartar sauce.
