Fried Calamari
Crispy and golden fried calamari, perfect as an appetizer or snack, served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
Calories: 300cal
Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 200mg
Sodium: 600mg
Difficulty Level: easy
15 min Prep
10 min Cook
25 min Total
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the calamari by ensuring that it is cleaned and cut into even, uniform rings. This ensures even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep pot to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure the oil is hot enough to crisp the calamari but not so hot it burns.
- Dredge the calamari rings in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Shake off any excess flour to prevent the calamari from becoming gummy.
- Carefully place the calamari into the hot oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot as this can lower the oil temperature and cause the calamari to cook unevenly.
- Fry the calamari for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to gently stir them in the oil for even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the calamari from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with any remaining calamari.
- Serve the fried calamari immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing and marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy while hot and crispy.
