Description
This Fried Calamari recipe offers a crispy, flavorful appetizer or snack, featuring tender squid rings soaked in a lemon-milk mixture, coated with a seasoned flour and cornstarch blend, then perfectly deep-fried to golden brown. Served with fresh lemon wedges, it’s an irresistible treat for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 pound calamari rings (or squid tubes cut into rings)
Soaking Mixture
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Breading Mixture
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Serving
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Calamari: Thaw the calamari rings if frozen. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl to prepare for soaking.
- Milk Soak: Pour the whole milk and lemon juice over the calamari rings. Stir gently to ensure all rings are evenly coated; this tenderizes the calamari and adds subtle flavor. Let it soak for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, dried dill, paprika, and pepper. This blend creates a light, crispy coating when fried.
- Bread Calamari: Remove the calamari rings from the milk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Toss the calamari rings in the seasoned flour mixture until each ring is evenly coated.
- Arrange for Frying: Place the breaded calamari rings onto a plate or sheet pan, spreading them out to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Oil and Plate: Line a second plate or sheet pan with paper towels to drain fried calamari. Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until the oil reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Calamari: Carefully place small batches of breaded calamari into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried calamari to the paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Continue frying in batches until all calamari is cooked.
- Serve: Serve the fried calamari fresh and hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the top for added brightness and flavor.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying to maintain oil temperature and ensure crispiness.
- Patting the calamari dry before soaking helps the coating adhere better.
- You may add additional spices such as cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Serve immediately for the best texture as fried calamari can become soggy once cooled.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature for perfect frying results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
