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Fried Calamari Recipe

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๐Ÿฆ‘ Enjoy a crispy and tender seafood snack with this perfectly crunchy fried calamari recipe that’s simple to make at home.
๐Ÿ‹ The soaking and coating technique ensures a flavorful, tender inside with a golden, crunchy exterior, perfect for sharing or snacking.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound frozen calamari tubes thawed

1 teaspoon kosher salt for soaking plus additional for seasoning

ยฝ cup 2% milk

1 ยฝ cups all-purpose flour

โ…“ cup cornstarch

ยฝ teaspoon baking powder

ยพ teaspoon oregano

ยฝ teaspoon black pepper

ยฝ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Grapeseed oil enough for frying about 4 inches depth

1 lemon cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

1-Slice the thawed calamari tubes into ยพ-inch thick rings to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.

2-Stir 1 teaspoon kosher salt into ยฝ cup 2% milk in a bowl, then add the calamari rings and refrigerate for 30 minutes to tenderize and reduce odor.

3-Whisk together 1 ยฝ cups all-purpose flour, โ…“ cup cornstarch, ยฝ teaspoon baking powder, ยพ teaspoon oregano, ยฝ teaspoon black pepper, and ยฝ teaspoon cayenne pepper.

4-Using tongs, shake excess milk from a portion of calamari and toss in the flour mixture to coat evenly; place coated rings in a colander to rest briefly. Repeat with the remaining calamari.

5-Preheat your oven to 150ยฐF and set up a wire rack lined with paper towels on a sheet pan for draining.

6-Heat grapeseed oil to 350-365ยฐF in a deep pot or fryer. Test the oil by dropping one calamari ring in if bubbles form and the ring floats, it’s ready.

7-Fry the calamari in batches of about 8 for approximately 3 minutes or until golden brown.

8-Remove with a slotted spoon, place on the wire rack, season immediately with kosher salt, and keep warm in the oven.

9-Serve hot with lemon wedges for a fresh finish.

Last Step:

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Notes

๐Ÿ› Soaking calamari in salted milk tenderizes it and reduces fishiness, improving the flour coating adhesion.
๐Ÿ”ช Slice calamari to consistent thickness to ensure a tender center and crispy exterior.
โณ Let coated calamari rest before frying to help the flour coating adhere better and rehydrate.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Soaking time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Seafood, American
  • Diet: Gluten

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 pound
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg