Crispy fried calamari is a popular appetizer or snack that is made by coating small pieces of squid in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices, and then deep frying them until they are crispy and golden brown. The calamari is typically served with a side of marinara sauce or a lemon wedge for dipping.
To make crispy fried calamari at home, you will need to start by preparing the squid by cutting it into small rings or strips. Next, you will need to mix together the flour, cornmeal, and spices in a shallow dish. Dip the calamari into the flour mixture, coating it evenly on all sides.
Heat a deep fryer or a large pot filled with oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place the calamari into the hot oil and fry until it is golden brown and crispy about 2-3 minutes. Remove the calamari from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil.
Serve the crispy fried calamari hot with a side of marinara sauce or a lemon wedge for dipping. You can also garnish the calamari with chopped herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Crispy fried calamari is best enjoyed while it is still warm and crispy, so be sure to serve it as soon as it is ready.
Here is a recipe for crispy fried calamari that you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh calamari, cut into rings or strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges and marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the water and 1/4 cup of the flour mixture until smooth.
Dip the calamari into the flour mixture, coating it evenly on all sides. Then dip the calamari into the water mixture, and then back into the flour mixture again, making sure it is well coated.
Heat a deep fryer or a large pot filled with oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place the calamari into the hot oil and fry until it is golden brown and crispy about 2-3 minutes.
Remove the calamari from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil.
Serve the crispy fried calamari hot with lemon wedges and marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Here are a few more things you might want to know about crispy fried calamari:
If you prefer a lighter and less greasy version of fried calamari, you can also try baking it instead of frying. To do this, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the calamari on the prepared baking sheet and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the calamari is crispy and golden brown.
To make a spicy version of fried calamari, you can add a teaspoon or two of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. You can also serve the calamari with a spicy dipping sauce, such as sriracha mayonnaise or a spicy aioli.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your fried calamari, you can try adding a pinch of grated Parmesan cheese or some chopped herbs to the flour mixture. You can also try seasoning the calamari with a blend of your favorite spices, such as cumin, coriander, or cilantro.
Fried calamari is often served as an appetizer or snack, but it can also be enjoyed as a main dish. Try serving it over a bed of greens or alongside a salad for a light and refreshing meal. You can also serve it with a side of rice or pasta to make it more filling.
