Description
This crispy, golden Fried Calamari is the perfect appetizer! Tender squid rings are soaked in heavy cream for extra softness, then coated in a flavorful seasoned batter and fried until perfectly crunchy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Calamari:
- 1–2 lbs fresh or frozen squid, cleaned
- 2 cups heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp salt (for tenderizing)
For the Dry Batter:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For Frying:
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Squid: Slice the squid into even rings and set aside.
- Tenderize the Squid: In a large bowl, mix the squid with heavy cream (or milk) and salt. Let it soak for at least 20 minutes.
- Preheat the Oil: Pour 3 inches of oil into a large skillet or deep fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Dry Batter: In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Coat the Squid: Remove the squid from the cream mixture, letting excess liquid drip off. Toss the rings in the dry batter, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Fry the Calamari: Working in batches, fry the squid for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain & Serve: Remove the calamari from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the squid by dipping it back in the cream before a second flour coating.
- Serve with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- If using frozen squid, thaw completely and pat dry before soaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg