Fried Calamari

There’s something simply irresistible about Fried Calamari. Picture this: a warm summer evening, laughter filling the air, and the tantalizing aroma of crispy calamari wafts from the kitchen. It takes me back to those seaside adventures where I’d eagerly wait for a plate of perfectly fried calamari, complemented by a zesty dipping sauce. Making Fried Calamari at home not only brings those fond memories back, but it also allows you to impress friends and family with your culinary skills. As the golden rings sizzle away, you can feel the excitement building, knowing you’ll soon enjoy a delicious appetizer that’s crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Ingredients Required for Fried Calamari

When creating Fried Calamari, the ingredients are key to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Freshness is essential, particularly with the calamari, which will shine through in the final dish. Each component—from the creamy mayonnaise to the spices—plays a role in making this dish irresistible.

• 1 cup mayonnaise (low fat is fine)
• 3 teaspoons Sriracha or Thai garlic-chili sauce
• 2 pounds fresh calamari (tubes and tentacles), rinsed and sliced into rings
• 2 cups buttermilk (low fat is fine)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• Vegetable or canola oil

Instructions for Fried Calamari

Creating Fried Calamari is a simple yet rewarding process. With each step, you’ll feel more confident in your culinary skills. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure your calamari turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful.

1. Start by preparing the spicy mayonnaise. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and Sriracha. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. This will enhance the flavor as it sits.
2. Next, add the buttermilk to a bowl, then add the calamari. Let it soak for at least one hour in the refrigerator. This tenderizes the calamari and helps the flour adhere better later.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This mix will give your calamari a flavorful crust when fried.
4. After the soaking time, remove the calamari from the buttermilk and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated, then shake off the excess flour.
5. Prepare your frying setup by pouring oil to a depth of two inches into a large pot. Heat the oil to 365°F. The right temperature is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
6. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the dredged calamari in batches. Fry them for about one minute or until they are golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy calamari.
7. As the calamari cooks, keep an eye on their color. They should be a perfect light golden. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
8. Repeat the frying process with the remaining calamari, ensuring each batch gets the same attention to detail.
9. Finally, serve the Fried Calamari warm with the chilled spicy mayonnaise on the side. The contrast of hot and cold will elevate your dish, making each bite a delightful experience!

Tips and Variations

When it comes to Fried Calamari, there’s always room for creativity. Here are some helpful tips and variations to enhance your dish:

• Storage: Store any leftover Fried Calamari in an airtight container in the fridge. They are best enjoyed the same day, but can last for up to two days.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the calamari cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months, but may lose some crispiness when reheated.
• Pairing: Serve Fried Calamari with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. A light vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices in the flour mix, like cayenne pepper for an extra kick or dried herbs for added flavor.
• Garnish: Add some chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice on top before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
• Variation: For a twist, try battering the calamari in a tempura style for a lighter, airy texture.

How to Serve Fried Calamari

Serving Fried Calamari is all about creating a delightful experience for your guests. Here are some great ideas to elevate your serving style:

• Presentation: Arrange the calamari in a circular pattern on a large platter. This makes for an inviting centerpiece on your table.
• Accompaniments: Pair with a variety of dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce or lemon aioli for guests to choose from. Variety always adds excitement!
• Seasonal Serving: Serve Fried Calamari during summer barbecues or festive gatherings as a light appetizer that complements any meal.
• Occasions: It’s perfect for parties, game days, or even as a fancy starter for a dinner date. Everyone loves a good appetizer!
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat in an air fryer to regain that delightful crispiness.
• Garnishing: Consider garnishing the dish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

FAQ

Conclusion

Fried Calamari is a scrumptious appetizer that everyone loves. Its crispy exterior and tender interior, along with the spicy mayonnaise, create a delightful flavor experience. I encourage you to try making this dish at home. It’s easier than you might think, and the satisfaction of serving homemade calamari will surely impress your guests. Enjoy the process and share this delicious treat with family and friends!

Fried Calamari

The ultimate appetizer, Fried Calamari features crispy, golden rings of tender calamari paired with a spicy dipping sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this easy dish will have everyone craving more. Make it tonight for a deliciously memorable experience!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Mayonnaise low fat is fine
• 3 teaspoons Sriracha or Thai garlic-chili sauce
• 2 pounds Fresh Calamari tubes and tentacles, rinsed and sliced into rings
• 2 cups Buttermilk low fat is fine
• 2 cups All-purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 2 teaspoons Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• Vegetable or Canola Oil

Equipment

• Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Start by preparing the spicy mayonnaise. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and Sriracha. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. This will enhance the flavor as it sits.
2. Next, add the buttermilk to a bowl, then add the calamari. Let it soak for at least one hour in the refrigerator. This tenderizes the calamari and helps the flour adhere better later.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This mix will give your calamari a flavorful crust when fried.
4. After the soaking time, remove the calamari from the buttermilk and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated, then shake off the excess flour.
5. Prepare your frying setup by pouring oil to a depth of two inches into a large pot. Heat the oil to 365°F. The right temperature is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
6. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the dredged calamari in batches. Fry them for about one minute or until they are golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy calamari.
7. As the calamari cooks, keep an eye on their color. They should be a perfect light golden. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
8. Repeat the frying process with the remaining calamari, ensuring each batch gets the same attention to detail.
9. Finally, serve the Fried Calamari warm with the chilled spicy mayonnaise on the side. The contrast of hot and cold will elevate your dish, making each bite a delightful experience!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftover Fried Calamari in an airtight container in the fridge. They are best enjoyed the same day, but can last for up to two days.
• Tip 2: To freeze, let the calamari cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months, but may lose some crispiness when reheated.
• Tip 3: Serve Fried Calamari with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. A light vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully.
• Tip 4: Experiment with different spices in the flour mix, like cayenne pepper for an extra kick or dried herbs for added flavor.
• Tip 5: Consider garnishing the dish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

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Meet Brooke Davis

I’m all about cozy, comforting food made with fresh, local ingredients. I develop most of our weeknight dinners and heartier main dishes. My specialty is taking a classic comfort food and giving it a bright, California twist. We all cook and test together, but I’m usually the one in charge of the main event and making sure every recipe is perfect.