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Easy Fried Calamari Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 101 reviews

This Easy Fried Calamari recipe features tender squid rings and tentacles marinated in milk, lightly coated with a seasoned flour mixture, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Served with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and marinara sauce, it’s a classic appetizer perfect for entertaining or a quick snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 Pound cleaned squid (bodies and tentacles)
  • 1 Cup milk
  • 1 1/2 Cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 Teaspoon baking powder
  • 8 Cups oil (for frying)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Squid: Rinse the squid thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the squid bodies into 1/2 inch rings. Place the rings and tentacles in a bowl with the milk, toss gently to coat all pieces, and let them marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. After marinating, drain the squid well and pat dry again to remove excess moisture.
  2. Heat the Oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a plate lined with paper towels nearby to drain the fried calamari.
  3. Coat the Squid: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Working in small batches, dredge the squid pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated, then shake off any excess flour before frying.
  4. Fry the Calamari: Carefully add the coated squid to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3 minutes or until the pieces turn golden brown and crispy. Use a spider or slotted spoon to remove the fried calamari and place them on the paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
  5. Serve: Transfer the fried calamari to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges and marinara sauce for dipping.
  6. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy this classic crispy calamari appetizer as a delightful snack or starter.

Notes

  • Ensure the squid is well dried after marinating to prevent oil splatter when frying.
  • Do not overcrowd the pot while frying to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
  • Adjust salt to taste immediately after frying for best flavor absorption.
  • Use fresh oil or properly filtered oil for frying to achieve a clean, crisp finish.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture; fried calamari can become soggy if left to sit too long.
  • For a gluten-free alternative, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends suitable for frying.

Keywords: fried calamari, crispy calamari, appetizer, seafood, easy fried squid, Italian appetizer

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/easy-fried-calamari-recipe/