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Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe

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4.4 from 121 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Fried Calamari made by coating tender calamari rings in a seasoned flour mixture, then frying to a golden brown perfection. Served with fresh lemon wedges, this classic appetizer is perfect for seafood lovers and is quick to prepare for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Calamari Preparation

  • 1 pound calamari rings
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Breading

  • 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 (about 1 inch in the skillet)

Serving

  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Calamari rings: Thaw the calamari rings if frozen, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place them into a mixing bowl to get ready for the next step.
  2. Soak in Milk Mixture: Pour 1 cup of whole milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the calamari rings. Stir gently to coat all the rings evenly, allowing the acid in the lemon juice to slightly tenderize the calamari while soaking.
  3. Mix the Breading: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried dill, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon pepper to create a well-seasoned flour mix for coating.
  4. Coat the Calamari: Remove the calamari rings from the milk mixture, allowing excess milk to drip off. Toss the rings thoroughly in the seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture to coat all sides evenly.
  5. Prepare for Frying: Place the breaded calamari rings on a plate or sheet pan. Set up a second plate or sheet pan lined with paper towels to drain the calamari after frying.
  6. Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering, ready for frying.
  7. Fry the Calamari: Carefully add the breaded calamari rings to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for approximately 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or slotted spoon to turn if necessary.
  8. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried calamari with a slotted spoon and place them onto the paper towel-lined plate or sheet pan to drain excess oil. Continue frying remaining batches. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the calamari.

Notes

  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; too cool oil results in soggy calamari.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan during frying to maintain oil temperature and ensure even crispiness.
  • Serve calamari immediately for the best texture and flavor.
  • For an extra kick, serve with a side of marinara sauce or aioli.
  • Pat calamari dry before soaking to avoid soggy breading.

Keywords: fried calamari, calamari rings, crispy calamari, seafood appetizer, fried seafood

Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/crispy-fried-calamari-recipe/