Fried Calamari Recipe: How To Make It At Home In Just 5 Easy Steps!

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of seafood with this comprehensive guide on how to make fried calamari at home. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this step-by-step tutorial will empower you to create mouthwatering calamari that rivals your favorite restaurant.

Choosing the Perfect Squid

The foundation of great fried calamari lies in choosing fresh, high-quality squid. Look for squid with a firm texture, clear eyes, and a slightly salty aroma. Avoid squid with cloudy eyes or a slimy texture.

Cleaning and Preparing the Squid

1. Remove the head: Hold the squid by the head and pull it away from the body. Discard the head and tentacles.
2. Cut the body: Use a sharp knife to cut the body into 1-inch rings.
3. Score the rings: Make shallow cuts around the circumference of the rings to prevent them from curling up during frying.
4. Remove the ink sac: Carefully remove the ink sac located near the top of the body. You can use the ink for other culinary creations.

Preparing the Batter

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
2. Add wet ingredients: Slowly whisk in 1 cup beer or club soda until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.

Frying the Calamari

1. Heat the oil: Pour 4-5 inches of vegetable oil into a large pot or deep fryer and heat it to 375°F (190°C).
2. Dip the calamari: Dip the calamari rings into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Fry the calamari: Carefully drop the calamari into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain the calamari: Remove the calamari from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Seasoning the Calamari

1. Sprinkle with salt: While the calamari is still hot, sprinkle it with additional salt to enhance the flavor.
2. Add lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the calamari to brighten its taste.
3. Garnish with herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh and vibrant touch.

Dipping Sauces for Calamari

Elevate your fried calamari experience with a variety of dipping sauces:

• Marinara sauce: A classic and flavorful option that pairs perfectly with calamari.
• Tartar sauce: A creamy and tangy sauce that adds a delightful contrast to the fried calamari.
• Aioli sauce: A rich and garlicky sauce that enhances the umami flavors of the calamari.

Tips for Perfect Fried Calamari

• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
• Do not overcrowd the pot when frying to prevent the calamari from becoming soggy.
• Fry the calamari in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
• Allow the calamari to rest on paper towels before serving to absorb excess oil.

Frequently Discussed Topics

• Can I use frozen squid? Yes, you can use frozen squid. Just thaw it thoroughly before cleaning and preparing.
• How long will the fried calamari stay crispy? Fried calamari will stay crispy for up to 2 hours at room temperature.
• Can I reheat the fried calamari? Yes, you can reheat the fried calamari in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes.