Classic Fried Calamari Recipe
"Classic Fried Calamari Recipe. Frozen squid cleaned, coated in seasoned flour, and fried to perfection. Served with a tomato marinara dipping sauce. This fried calamari recipe is one that I prepare every Christmas Eve (one of the seven fishes!). My entire family looks forward to the fried calamari and it brings me joy to cook that dish for everyone. I have found that my favorite way to cook the calamari dish is with a bit of seasoned flour on the squid. With this method, the squid fries up perfectly with a light crispy coating. It is amazing with some homemade marinara sauce! Being traditional I prefer a side of marinara sauce for dipping. If a restaurant has a fancy aioli, spicy red sauce, or even a mayonnaise based sauce, they lose points in my book. "
Serves4 people
Preparation Time15 min
Cooking Time20 min
Cooking MethodSkillet
Cooking Vessel Sizelarge pot or Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 16 ounce squid cleaned
- 3 cup canola oil
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 4 medium lemon wedges
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Begin by rinsing the squid with cold water. Next, separate the squid bodies from the tentacles. Cut the bodies into 1/2-inch rings and leave the tentacles whole.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and ground black pepper and mix well. In small batches, add the squid to the flour mixture and coat thoroughly, ensuring to shake off excess flour. Set the coated squid aside.
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In a large pot, add the canola oil and bring to a high heat. When the oil is hot, place the coated squid into the oil in small batches.
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Fry for 5-7 minutes until the squid is golden in color, mixing occasionally to ensure the squid does not stick together.
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Remove squid from oil and strain on paper towels. Repeat the process until all the squid is cooked.
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Place fried calamari on a serving dish and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.