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Fried Calamari

A delectable dish featuring crispy fried calamari with a tender interior, perfect for gatherings and home cooking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Seafood
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Calamari (Squid), cleaned and cut into rings Use fresh calamari for the best taste.
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch For extra crispiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 3/4 cup Water Adjust for batter consistency.
  • as needed Vegetable oil, for frying Can use canola or sunflower oil.
  • as needed Lemon wedges, for serving
  • as needed Marinara sauce or garlic aioli, for dipping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Clean the calamari and cut it into rings about 1 inch thick. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and baking powder. Gradually add water while whisking until you achieve a smooth batter.
  3. Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan, filling it about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
Frying
  1. Dip the calamari rings into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off. Carefully place them in the hot oil, frying in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
  2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried calamari to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For best results, avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 days.