Description
A delicious recipe for crispy fried calamari, perfect for appetizers or snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, soak the calamari rings in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the seafood.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F.
- Remove the calamari from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then dredge the rings in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Carefully add the coated calamari to the hot oil in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried calamari to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg