Fried Calamari
User Reviews
5
Fried Calamari
Description
Fried Calamari is prepared by soaking cleaned calamari tubes and tentacles in salted baking soda water to tenderize before frying. A flour and cornstarch blend creates a light but crunchy coating after frying in hot oil. The result is calamari with a crispy exterior and a soft, succulent interior. Immediately salting the fried pieces enhances the flavor as the salt adheres to the hot surface.
Serving this with marinara sauce and fresh lemon wedges adds a tangy brightness that complements the fried seafood. Hot cherry peppers can be added for a spicy kick, either served alongside or fried similarly. The calamari is best eaten fresh from the fryer and kept warm in a low oven until served.
The recipe notes suggest salting right after frying to maximize flavor and recommend avoiding microwave reheating to preserve texture. A thicker batter option involves soaking calamari in milk before dredging in flour mixture. Proper oil temperature, batch frying without crowding, and drying calamari before coating are key to achieving a crispy finish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound calamari tubes cut into 1/2" circles and tentacles left whole
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for sprinkling after frying
- water enough to cover calamari in bowl
- vegetable oil enough to fill pan at least 1" high
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup hot cherry pepper optional, see notes below
- 2 large lemon cut into wedges, plural
Flour mixture (mix together in large bowl)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup corn starch
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200f. Place the calamari into a bowl and cover with water. Stir in the baking soda and kosher salt and set aside for 15 minutes.
- While the calamari is soaking heat vegetable oil to 370f in a cast iron or heavy gauge frying pan.
- After 15 minutes remove the calamari and pat dry.
- Place calamari into the flour mixture and shake off excess. Gently place the floured calamari into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden. Work in batches and do not crowd the pan.
- Remove the fried calamari with a slotted spoon and place onto a wire rack. Sprinkle with salt immediately. Place the fried calamari into the oven to keep warm.
- Remove any bits of flour from the oil and once it again reaches 370f fry the next batch. Repeat the process until finished. Serve with marinara, lemon wedges, and/or cherry peppers. Enjoy.
Notes
- Salt the calamari immediately after frying to enhance flavor as it absorbs better when hot.
- For a thicker crust, soak calamari in milk for 15 minutes before dredging in flour mixture.
- Cherry peppers can be fried alongside the calamari or served raw on the side for extra heat.
- Fried calamari is best enjoyed fresh; reheat leftovers in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 466 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 466kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 26.8g | 9% |
| Protein | 20.4g | 41% |
| Fat | 29.6g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4g | 27% |
| Cholesterol | 263mg | 88% |
| Sodium | 633mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 34mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.8g | 3% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Calcium | 46mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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