| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 20g | 5g | 26g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 1g | 14g | 0.77g |
Why I Love American Crispy Fried Calamari
On those nights that call for something special, but casual, I often find myself reaching for my American-inspired recipe, Crispy Fried Calamari. It’s not your standard spaghetti or meatball dish, but like those Italian-American classics that were staples in my New Jersey home, this dish has a way of bringing everyone together. Few can resist the delightful crunch and lightness of the breaded and fried calamari, seasoned just right and garnished with fresh lemon.
A Snapshot of Seaside Dinners
I love this recipe because it takes me straight back to summer vacations as a child, when my grandparents would take us to the Jersey Shore. As much as I love the robust heartiness of traditional Italian-American cuisine, there was always something magical about the simple pleasure of a plate of fresh, fried calamari, eaten alongside my family as the Atlantic Ocean lapped the shoreline. As a tribute to those memories, I often serve this calamari dish with a side of East Coast fries – it’s a delicious combination that never fails to transport me back to those youthful summer days.
Inspired by the Best
I must give credit where credit is due. This Crispy Fried Calamari recipe was inspired by none other than Mario Batali. Much like me, Mario also often pays homage to his Italian roots while embracing the influences and ingredients of his American surroundings. His passion for flavor, history, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones seeps through every dish he creates, my Crispy Fried Calamari included.
In addition to that, this recipe is somewhat similar to my delightfully crispy Oysters Rockefeller. In fact, you could even serve these side by side for a fantastic fusion of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan of calamari or just about to discover its delights, I believe that it’s the stories behind our favorite recipes that make them truly special. So, the next time you prepare my Crispy Fried Calamari, remember the picture I’ve painted, and feel free to add your own spin and create your memories. After all, that’s what cooking is all about. Buon Appetito!
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of cleaned squid (calamari), both tubes and tentacles
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 cups of vegetable oil for frying
- 1 fresh lemon for garnish
- Tartar sauce or marinara sauce for dipping
Method
Step One
Start by cleaning the squid if it is not already cleaned. To do this, remove the head and interior parts from the tube and peel off the skin. Then clean out the ink sack and remove the beak. Set aside the cleaned squid, both tubes and tentacles.
Step Two
Prepare the breading station. Assemble three shallow bowls or plates in a line. In the first bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined. In the third and final, place the bread crumbs.
Step Three
Start the breading process. One by one, dredge each piece of squid first into the flour mixture, then dip in the milk-egg mixture, making sure that it is fully coated. Lastly, roll it in the bread crumbs so that it is well coated. Once breaded, set aside on a plate or wire rack.
Step Four
Heat vegetable oil in a deep-frying pan over medium-high heat. Ensure that the oil is heated to approximately 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Test the oil by dropping some breadcrumbs in; if it sizzles and bubbles, it’s ready to use.
Step Five
Carefully add in the breaded squid, a few pieces at a time, trying not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown on all sides, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy fried calamari from the oil and set aside to drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step Six
Continue frying in batches until all the squid has been cooked. Remember to adjust the heat as needed to maintain the right oil temperature.
Step Seven
Serve immediately with fresh lemon slices for garnish. Prepare tartar or marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Your crispy fried calamari is now ready to be enjoyed!
