Unique calamari recipes you’ll want to try

If you’re after fried calamari that’s not soaked in grease and golden brown with all the tenderness, this calamari recipe is your best bet. The fried calamari recipe below will tick off your checklist of perfect calamari. Read through below and follow the simple must-do for that perfect blend of crispy fried calamari. 

How do you tenderize calamari before frying?

Buttermilk is the key ingredient to achieve that perfect tender golden calamari. If you just have normal milk on hand, you can just add salt. Soaking your squid in salted milk or buttermilk will tenderize them. 

It also helps reduce the fishy smell and helps the flour coating better stick to the squid meat. Follow these steps to tenderize your calamari:

• Slice your clean squid into rings ( no need if you’re using calamari rings)
• Prepare buttermilk in a medium bowl
• No buttermilk? Add one teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup of milk and stir
• Add the squid rings to your milk
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes

Another option is simply soaking your squid in lemon juice. Once you’re done with the tenderizing process, here are the ways on how you can cook your fried calamari in golden perfection. 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound calamari (rings and tentacles)
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Two teaspoons salt ( add more for your salt preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
• Oil for frying

How to prepare:

1. Pour 3-4 inches of oil in a deep pot and heat
2. Stir in flour, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Remove each squid from the milk solution and dip them in the seasoned flour.
4. Place coated squids in the pot when the oil is ready. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes on high heat until golden brown.
5. Remove cooked calamari from the hot oil and drain oil on a paper towel.
6. Top your calamari with chopped parsley and sprinkle a bit of salt if you prefer. 
7. Serve them hot. 

Fried calamari with spicy marinara sauce

• 1 pound calamari (rings and tentacles)
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt ( add more for your salt preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
• Italian seasoning
• Oil for frying

Let’s get this started

Photo Credit: Pexels

How to prepare:

1. Follow the tenderizing process above.
2. Do the same steps as the normal calamari recipe posted on top.
3. Just add the Italian seasoning to the flour mixture along with the other ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (add more if you like it spicier)

How to prepare:

1. Set a small saucepan on medium heat.
2. Pour in the olive oil.
3. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, then sauce for 30 seconds or 4. until garlic is aromatic.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce to low heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. 
6. Serve warm with the calamari, or you can place it in the fridge to cool.

More recipes to come

Photo Credit: Pexels

Italian Calamari 

• 1 pound squid rings (sliced into rings)
• 3 cups peanut oil
• 2/3 cup unbleached flour
• Four tablespoons semolina flour
• 4 medium eggs
• 1 lemon for garnish (cut into wedges)
• Sea salt

How to prepare:

1. Prepare the ingredients
2. Rinse your squid rings in water and pat dry with a paper towel
3. Place your large pot over medium-high heat. Let the oil heat for about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the all-purpose flour in a medium bowl. Beat the eggs in a large bowl.
5. Place semolina flour in a small bowl.
6. Dip your calamari rings on the flour. Shake to remove excess flour.
7. Dip the floured calamari on the egg, then at the semolina.
8. Fry the calamari in batches to avoid overcrowding until crisp and lightly golden for 1-2 minutes.
9. Drain fried calamari on a paper towel.
10. Season with salt and serve with lemon wedges. 

Chimichurri Fried Calamari

Ingredients:

• 1 pound squid ( sliced into rings)
• Fine sea salt and ground pepper
• 2 cups Japanese Panko bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup flour
• Three egg whites
• Vegetable oil
• Chimichurri sauce

How to prepare:

1. Clean your squid thoroughly under cold water, then place them on the refrigerator.
2. Mix Panko bread crumbs with salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
3. Whisk egg whites and flour until you form a paste.
4. Preheat the oven to 150-200 degrees, then heat oil in medium-high heat. 
5. Dip calamari strips in egg white mixture, then dredge in Panko mixture. 
6. Quick fry your calamari until light brown for 2-3 minutes to avoid overcooking. It will result in rubbery calamari when overcooked. 
7. Remove calamari from the pan, then arrange them on a baking sheet.
8. Place in the oven to keep warm as you fry the remaining.
9. Serve hot with chimichurri sauce.

Calamari FAQs

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What does soaking calamari in milk do?

Milk has lactic acid that helps tenderize squid meat and reduce its chewiness. This process is also done in tendering meats. Just make sure your squid is fully soaked. 

You can also use kiwi fruit juice or lemon juice to tenderize your squid. You have to soak it for half an hour inside the fridge. Although overnight soaking is also viable.

How do you make calamari not rubbery?

For instance, squid meat is known for its rubbery texture. Your calamari will only turn rubbery when it’s overcooked. The secret to preventing it from turning rubbery is to fry it over high heat quickly. Another option is cooking it slowly over super low heat. 

You can apply this technique even while you’re sautéing, stir-frying, and grilling squid. Likewise, to achieve that perfect tender calamari, don’t deep-fry for over 2 minutes.

Key Takeaway

Fried calamari is one of the best appetizers when eating out. While this dish is popularly known around the Mediterranean and Southern Europe and is mostly served in small taverns and fish shops. In these regions, they are usually served with dips, chips, and dips. 

For instance, you don’t have to go far to experience a perfectly crispy fried calamari. Just a few steps away from going to your pantry, and you can experience this dish.