The first time I bit into perfectly fried calamari, I was absolutely hooked. The combination of a light, crispy coating giving way to tender, flavorful squid is truly irresistible. You’d be surprised how simple it is to recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen! No more settling for soggy takeout; with just a handful of ingredients, you can impress friends and family with restaurant-quality Fried Calamari in less than 30 minutes.
Imagine dipping these golden morsels into a zesty marinara sauce or a creamy lemon aioli—each bite bursting with flavor. Not only is this dish a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also versatile enough to fit any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a lively game night. Plus, making it at home means you can control the ingredients and enjoy it fresh out of the fryer. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will have everyone clamoring for seconds!
Why is Fried Calamari a Must-Try?
Simplicity and Speed: It’s a breeze to whip up, taking only 30 minutes!
Crispy Texture: The perfect combination of flour and cornmeal creates an addictive crunch.
Flavorful Experience: With the tender squid inside, every bite is movie-like magic!
Versatile Dish: Serve as an appetizer or a main, and it fits any gathering.
Homemade Satisfaction: Enjoy restaurant-quality calamari right from your kitchen—no soggy takeout here! For more irresistible snacks, check out my delicious appetizer recipes that everyone will love!
Fried Calamari Ingredients
• Achieve delicious homemade flavor with these simple components!
For the Calamari
- 1 lb calamari – Make sure to use cleaned, uncooked squid for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup whole milk – This tenderizes the squid and adds richness; low-fat buttermilk works too!
For the Coating
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour – A light dusting ensures a crispy finish.
- 1/2 cup cornmeal – Adds extra crunch and a slight sweetness to the batter.
- 1 tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – Provides a gentle kick to your fried calamari that pairs perfectly with dips.
Get ready to indulge in this delectable dish that will have everyone begging for your recipe!
How to Make Fried Calamari
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Prepare Squid: Start by removing the head from the calamari mantle, then cut off the tentacles. Rinse them gently inside and out, removing the skin if you prefer a cleaner taste.
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Soak in Milk: Soak the calamari pieces in whole milk for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps tenderize the squid while enhancing its flavor with a pinch of salt.
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Heat the Oil: In a deep cooking pan or skillet, heat your oil to between 365°F-375°F over medium-high heat. It’s the perfect temperature for that golden crispiness!
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Mix Coating Ingredients: In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper. This coating mixture gives that irresistible crunch to your fried calamari.
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Coat the Calamari: Pull the squid pieces out of the milk, letting the excess drip off. Toss them in the flour mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated to lock in all that delicious flavor.
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Fry Calamari: Carefully add the coated calamari to the hot oil using metal tongs or a slotted spoon. Fry them for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
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Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked calamari from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels. This helps keep them crispy by draining off any excess oil.
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Repeat: If you have more calamari, repeat the frying process until all are cooked to perfection.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy fried calamari warm, with a side of zesty marinara sauce or creamy lemon aioli for dipping.
Optional: Garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Fried Calamari Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your fried calamari with these fun and delicious twists!
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for an exciting heat that’ll make your taste buds tingle.
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Herbed Coating: Mix in dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the flour for a fragrant and flavorful twist that will elevate your dish.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and enjoy this classic dish without worry! There are so many great flour alternatives available nowadays.
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Crispy Panko: Switch out half of the flour for panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture that’s simply irresistible.
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Zesty Lemon: Toss grated lemon zest into the flour mixture before coating for a bright citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the fried squid.
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Garlic Infusion: Add minced garlic to the oil while frying to infuse that delicious garlicky goodness into your calamari.
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Asian-inspired: Swap the marinara for a soy sauce dip or a spicy sesame sauce for a unique twist that’s bursting with different flavors.
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Sweet Chili Sauce: Serve with a sweet chili sauce for a delightful combination of sweetness and spice, perfect for those who love a touch of sweetness in their appetizers.
Try one or try them all—each variation will bring a new, exciting flavor to your homemade fried calamari!
What to Serve with Fried Calamari?
Add delightful sides and beverages to elevate your dining experience with this flavorful dish.
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Zesty Marinara Sauce: Perfect for dipping, its tangy flavor complements the calamari’s crispy texture delightfully.
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Lemon Aioli: Creamy and rich, this sauce adds a fresh zing that brightens up every bite of fried squid.
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Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery crunch enhances the meal’s overall experience, making each bite feel indulgent. Serve it warm for that extra touch!
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Crunchy Coleslaw: The crispness and tang provide a fresh contrast to the fried calamari’s warmth, balancing out flavors perfectly.
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Crisp Green Salad: Light mixed greens drizzled with olive oil and lemon vinaigrette refresh the palate and enhance the meal’s simplicity.
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Cold White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully, accentuating seafood’s delicate flavors with each sip.
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Lemon Wedge: A simple squeeze before biting into your calamari enhances the dish with brightness, adding a hint of citrusy freshness.
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Sweet Potato Fries: For an unexpected twist, the sweetness adds fantastic contrast to the savory fried flavors. It’s a delightful combination!
With these pairings, your homemade fried calamari will shine on any occasion, making it a feast to remember!
Make Ahead Options
These Fried Calamari are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can soak the calamari in whole milk for up to 24 hours in advance, which not only enhances its flavor but also helps tenderize it. Additionally, you can pre-mix the flour and cornmeal coating and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove the calamari from the milk, toss them in the coating, and fry as directed until golden brown. This way, you’ll have hot, crispy fried calamari ready to impress your family or guests with minimal effort during busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Fried Calamari
Room Temperature: Serve fried calamari immediately for the best texture; if left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure freshness and safety.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain that crispy texture instead of the microwave.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooled and individually wrapped calamari for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 400°F until hot and crispy.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in an air fryer or oven rather than the microwave to prevent sogginess. Enjoy your homemade fried calamari just like the day you made it!
Expert Tips for Fried Calamari
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Perfect Temperature: Keep the oil between 365°F-375°F. If it’s too cool, the calamari will absorb oil and become soggy.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches to prevent the temperature from dropping, ensuring your fried calamari remains crispy and golden.
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Coat Evenly: Make sure each piece is fully coated in the flour mixture to achieve a consistent crunch that keeps the calamari tender inside.
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Soaking Time: Don’t skip the milk soak; it’s key for tenderness. Aim for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
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Drain Well: Let the fried calamari rest on a wire rack lined with paper towels to keep them crispy, avoiding excess oil lurking at the bottom.
Enjoy this delightful dish and impress your guests with your homemade fried calamari!
Fried Calamari Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best calamari?
Absolutely! When choosing calamari, look for moist and shiny pieces without any dark spots or unpleasant odor—these are signs of freshness. Smaller squid, around 3-5 inches long, tend to be more tender and flavorful.
How should I store leftover fried calamari?
Very! To keep your lovely fried calamari crispy, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, which keeps them wonderfully crisp.
Can I freeze fried calamari?
Of course! To freeze fried calamari, allow them to cool completely. Then, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, just bake from frozen at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until heating through and crispy again.
What common issues might I face when frying calamari?
Absolutely! One common issue is sogginess, which often occurs due to oil temperature being too low or overcrowding the pan. To avoid this, always ensure your oil is heated to 365°F-375°F before adding the calamari. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve that perfect crunch. If they are not turning golden, they might need a minute or two longer in the oil.
Can I make fried calamari more accessible for dietary needs?
Certainly! If you or your guests have gluten sensitivities, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or chickpea flour for a twist. Just make sure to check any dipping sauces for gluten or dairy ingredients, too! Always be cautious with allergens and adjust your recipe accordingly.
Is fried calamari safe for pets?
Great question! While calamari is not toxic to dogs, it’s best to avoid sharing fried foods with them, as the oil and seasonings can upset their stomach. You can give them a small piece of cooked, unseasoned calamari as an occasional treat, but moderation is key!
Crispy Fried Calamari: Homemade Flavor Worth the Wait
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Squid: Start by removing the head from the calamari mantle, then cut off the tentacles. Rinse them gently inside and out, removing the skin if you prefer a cleaner taste.
- Soak in Milk: Soak the calamari pieces in whole milk for about 15-20 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep cooking pan or skillet, heat your oil to between 365°F-375°F over medium-high heat.
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Calamari: Pull the squid pieces out of the milk, letting the excess drip off. Toss them in the flour mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Fry Calamari: Carefully add the coated calamari to the hot oil using metal tongs or a slotted spoon. Fry them for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked calamari from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
- Repeat: If you have more calamari, repeat the frying process until all are cooked to perfection.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy fried calamari warm, with a side of zesty marinara sauce or creamy lemon aioli for dipping.