Fried Calamari

Name: Fried Calamari
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Calamari (squid) 1.8 lbs; Type 00 flour 1 ½ cup; Fine salt to taste; Peanut seed oil 4 ¼ cups

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924

Calories per serving

Lactose Free

Energy Kcal 924
Carbohydrates g 38.9
of which sugars g 1.6
Protein g 21.4
Fats g 75.8
of which saturated fat g 15.38
Fiber g 1.2
Cholesterol mg 81
Sodium mg 525

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Average

PRESENTATION

Frittura di calamari is that dish you just can't miss, especially if you’re hanging out along the Amalfi Coast or having a backyard get-together in Southern Italy. Really, there's just something special when a plate of crispy calamari hits the table. And those tender rings? Super tasty when they're warm and perfectly golden. Italians adore their seafood, no doubt about it, and with the classic fried calamari recipe, keeping it simple is key. It's all about nailing that crunch. The secret? Really, it's in the coating. Some places stick to a flour-based mix—super super light and crispy—while others go for a batter or spiced breadcrumb crust for a little flavor kick. And the sauce? Essential. Though these rings often start as a little appetizer, honestly, in Italy, they make a whole meal out of it. Just add a pile of salad or some rustic bread, and you're set.

You’ll also find neat variations, like grilled calamari stuffed with lemon and herbs or baked with a spicy twist. But, truthfully, nothing beats the sizzle of hot oil and the aroma of fresh deep-fried seafood. The different calamari frying techniques keep things interesting. Some cooks prefer a super light dusting; others, a thicker crunch—depends on where you are or what's going on. You can enjoy everything from the flour-dusted style to fun twists like batter-fried squid paired with a tangy lime or sweet and sour dipping sauce. It's just perfect for a family Sunday lunch or even a late-night snack with friends—always moist, always flavorful.

Serving it up with a squeeze of lemon and maybe some easy calamari dipping sauces? Makes it feel special but still totally unfussy. It's just good, honest food that pulls people together. For sure. No wonder so many consider homemade fried calamari recipe a must for all sorts of gatherings. Whether you're savoring it by the Italian coastline or in your own backyard, this dish brings a taste of Italy to every table.

INGREDIENTS

924

Calories per serving

Calamari (squid) 1.8 lbs (800 g)

Type 00 flour 1 ½ cup (200 g)

Fine salt to taste

for frying: Peanut seed oil 4 ¼ cups (1 l)

Preparation

How to prepare Fried Calamari

To prepare fried calamari, start with the cleaning of the calamari: rinse them under plenty of fresh running water 1, then with your hands gently detach the head from the mantle 2. Once the head is extracted, still with your hands, look for the transparent cartilage quill located in the mantle and gently extract it 3.

Pass the calamari again under running water 4, wash it thoroughly, and use your hands to extract the innards from the mantle. Then proceed to remove the outer skin: make a small incision at the end of the mantle with a knife, just enough to grab an edge of the skin, and peel off the covering completely with your hands or with the help of a knife 5. To finish cleaning the mantle, still with a knife, remove the fins 6.

Cut the mantle into rings with a thickness of 0.2 inches 7 or alternatively, you can cut thin strips: open the mantle like a book, make an incision at the end with a knife, divide it in half, and cut strips 8. Take the tentacles and remove the central tooth by opening them outward with your hands and pushing up the central part (the mouth) 9,

then place everything in a colander to remove excess water 10. Now take care of the breading: distribute the flour on a tray 11, then place the calamari rings 12,

mixing them so that the breading adheres well on all sides 13. Pass them in a colander to remove excess flour 14. Place a large pot on the stove with oil for frying, checking that the temperature reaches 338°F with the help of a kitchen thermometer. At this point, fry the breaded rings a few at a time for 3-4 minutes 15, until they are golden and crispy.

Drain them with a slotted spoon 16 and place them on a tray lined with paper towels to drain excess oil 17. Season with salt to taste and serve your fried calamari hot and fresh 18!