Crispy Fried Calamari

A Family Favorite

Crispy Fried Calamari has always been a beloved dish in my family, and it’s one of those recipes that bring everyone together. I remember the first time I made Crispy Fried Calamari; I was nervous about getting it just right. The thought of perfectly golden, crunchy squid dipped in a savory soy sauce made my mouth water, but I was worried I wouldn’t nail it. But as soon as that first batch hit the oil, the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma. I knew I was on the right track. Crispy Fried Calamari quickly became a family favorite, something we now whip up for special gatherings and even cozy nights in.

The Perfect Balance of Crunch and Flavor

What I love most about Crispy Fried Calamari is the way the light, tempura batter clings to each squid ring, creating a crispy shell that’s both delicate and satisfying. The key to this recipe is keeping the batter cold, which is why I always add a few ice cubes to the mix. It helps the calamari fry up extra crispy, without getting greasy. Each bite of Crispy Fried Calamari is a perfect balance of crunch and tender seafood, with the soy dipping sauce adding just the right amount of salty tang. I’ve tried different variations, like adding a pinch of paprika for a bit of heat, but the classic version always wins hearts.

A Recipe That Brings People Together

Whenever I serve Crispy Fried Calamari, it’s an instant crowd-pleaser. I’ve found that this dish is perfect for dinner parties or as an appetizer before a big meal. There’s something about the communal experience of reaching for that crispy ring, dipping it into the soy sauce, and savoring the crunch that just brings people closer together. Even those who aren’t huge seafood fans tend to go back for seconds. It’s become a go-to for me when I want to impress guests or just treat my family to something special.

Tips for Making Crispy Fried Calamari at Home

Making Crispy Fried Calamari at home might seem intimidating at first, but with a few tips, it’s easier than you think. First, make sure to use fresh squid for the best texture and flavor. Also, don’t skip the step of patting the squid dry before seasoning; it ensures the batter sticks well. When frying, work in small batches to maintain the oil’s temperature and prevent soggy calamari. Lastly, always serve Crispy Fried Calamari fresh out of the pan for the ultimate crunchy experience. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too.

Chef’s Notes- Crispy Fried Calamari

• Keep the Squid Dry: After cleaning the squid, ensure it is thoroughly dried with paper towels. Excess moisture can cause the batter to become soggy and prevent it from adhering properly.
• Cold Batter is Key: The key to achieving that light, crispy texture is to keep the batter cold. Adding ice cubes to the batter helps to keep it at the right temperature and prevents the calamari from absorbing too much oil during frying.
• Fry in Small Batches: To avoid overcrowding the pan, fry the squid in small batches. This ensures even cooking and keeps the oil temperature consistent, resulting in perfectly crispy calamari.
• Oil Temperature: The oil should be hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) to fry the calamari quickly without making it greasy. If the oil is not hot enough, the calamari will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
• Strain the Oil: After each batch, strain out any leftover tempura flakes from the oil to prevent them from burning and affecting the flavor of the next batch.
• Experiment with Flavors: For a unique twist, you can infuse the dipping sauce with additional flavors like minced garlic, ginger, or a dash of sesame oil.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish is best enjoyed immediately after frying when the calamari is at its crispiest. Pair it with a refreshing salad, or serve it as a starter at a dinner party.

Crispy Fried Calamari

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Appetizer, SnackCuisine: Japanese, KoreanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Total time

30

minutes

Dive into the delightful crunch of Crispy Fried Calamari! This easy-to-follow recipe brings restaurant-quality fried squid right to your kitchen. With a simple batter and a savory soy dipping sauce, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Get ready to impress your guests with this irresistible appetizer!

Ingredients

• Calamari Preparation

• 1-2 fresh squid

• A pinch of salt

• A pinch of black pepper

• 1/2 cup tempura mix (or all-purpose flour)

• Wet Batter

• 1 cup tempura mix (or all-purpose flour)

• 1 cup cold water

• 2-3 ice cubes

• Soy Dipping Sauce

• 4 teaspoons soy sauce

• 2 teaspoons water

• A handful of finely chopped onion

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Squid: Substitute with shrimp or chicken strips for a different twist.

• Tempura Mix: Use all-purpose flour mixed with a pinch of baking powder.

• Soy Sauce: Replace with tamari for a gluten-free option.

• Onion: Substitute with green onions or shallots.

Directions

• Prepare the Squid – Clean the squid thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Remove the skin from the tube part and cut into long strips. Slice the tentacles as well. Place all pieces in a plastic bag.
• Season and Coat – Season the squid pieces with salt and black pepper inside the bag. Add tempura mix to the bag, close it, and shake well until the squid is evenly coated.
• Mix Wet Batter – In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of tempura mix with 1 cup of cold water. Add ice cubes to keep the batter cold.
• Heat Oil – Heat a layer of vegetable oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat until hot.
• Fry Squid – Dip each piece of coated squid into the wet batter and carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry in small batches until light golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
• Drain and Repeat – Remove fried squid from oil and drain on paper towels. Strain out leftover tempura flakes from the oil before frying the next batch.
• Prepare Dipping Sauce – In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, water, and chopped onion.

Equipment

• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• Nonstick Pan
• colander

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 250kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Potassium: 300mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 2IU
• Vitamin C: 4mg
• Calcium: 4mg
• Iron: 10mg

FAQs- Crispy Fried Calamari

Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen squid. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating and frying.

Why is my calamari not crispy?

This could be due to a few reasons: the batter might not be cold enough, the oil temperature might be too low, or the squid might not have been dried properly before coating.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the tempura mix with a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce for the dipping sauce.

What oil is best for frying calamari?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil, is ideal for frying calamari.

How can I make the calamari spicier?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the batter, or mix some chili flakes into the dipping sauce for an extra kick.