The batter-coated fried calamari is crisp on the outside and is super tender on the inside. It is one of the easiest squid recipes that you have ever come across.
Looking for a way to see how to clean and cook fresh squid, so that you end up having the calamari tender, then follow this recipe.
Blogging Tips below every recipe!
Sea food lovers can easily come across a number of recipes on the internet. If you want to try out something unique and delicious, one of the calamari or squid recipes is a great way to start.
You can start your cooking adventure with fried calamari recipe, pan-fried calamari recipe or crispy fried calamari recipe.
Moreover, if you like seafood then don’t miss out on the crispy shrimp recipe.
The fried calamari or spicy squid recipe is one of our favorites.
Undoubtedly, kids bring out the best in you, well most of the time.
Initially, it was only because of Nivaan’s love for seafood and insistence that I ventured into the world of squid.
This fried calamari have a light and crisp coating with a very tender inside.
Furthermore, if you like seafood, then don’t miss out the Prawns Fry | Shrimp Fry and shrimp tacos with cilantro garlic mayo.
Best way to clean the squid:
First, pull that head out. Reserve the tentacles. You can cut it into two if it is large.
Second, peel off the purple skin. However, there is no need to remove the purple skin from the tentacles.
Now, remove the transparent cartridge from the inside. You can also peel off the wings if you want circles to be consistent.
That’s it!
After that, rinse the inside thoroughly with water, making sure there is nothing left.
Now, dry the squids with a kitchen towel or place it in the colander for the excess water to drain.
Finally, slice it thin into circles.
Making calamari tender:
Now, you need to know: how do you tenderize calamari before frying?
Although, it was only a couple of months ago I learned how to prep and clean the squid as well as the simple trick of making the calamari tender.
You won’t believe how a simple soaking of calamari in buttermilk can make all the difference.
Soak the calamari in buttermilk for an hour. You can also leave it for a couple of hours in the refrigerator. The acid in the buttermilk makes it tender.
Looking for a simple guide on how do you make tender squid? Simply follow this recipe for easy instructions.
Coating for fried calamari:
This is one of the best coatings for fried calamari.
Most of the Indian style kebabs, like this green chicken kebab, use yogurt in its marinade for the same reason.
In the next step, mix the flour, paprika, salt and dried cilantro (Sesame seeds are optional).
Now, dip the rings in flour.
Finally, deep fry until light and golden brown.
Serving:
Fried calamari can be served immediately to your loved ones.
Enjoy it with a sauce made of mayonnaise with hot sauce or ketchup.
P.S: Check this Weeks blogging tips below the recipe:
This is one of the easy squid recipes. The batter coated fried calamari is crisp on the outside and is tender on the inside.
Marination time | Idle Time: 1 hour
- 1 pound (1/2 kg) Squid | Calamari
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or (1 cup Milk + 2 tablespoons vinegar)
- 1 cup All-purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika | Red chili powder (Use 1/2 tablespoon if you want it to be mild)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 tablespoon dried cilantro | Parsley
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
- Oil for deep frying. (sunflower, vegetable, canola, corn)
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce or ketchup (taste and add accordingly)
-
Clean and slice the calamari | squid into circles. Cut the tentacles into two if its big. (Please refer notes on how to clean the squid).
-
Soak the calamari in buttermilk for about an hour. It will make the calamari | squid tender. Cover and refrigerate. You can also let it soak for about 6 hours.
-
Prepare the coating by mixing All-purpose flour + paprika + salt + dried cilantro + sesame seeds. Place the oil on medium heat.
-
Once the oil is hot enough, coat one slice with flour and deep fry for about 2 minutes or till the inside are cooked thoroughly. Taste and adjust the salt and spices as needed. (To coat without a mess, use fork to remove the calamari from the buttermilk and to coat in the flour. After that, transfer to a sieve and shake it gently to remove the excess flour)
-
Continue with the remaining Calamari | Squid. Drain on a kitchen paper towel to remove the excess oil from frying.
-
Serve immediately.
-
For the sauce: Mix mayonnaise with hot sauce or ketchup. Taste and adjust the flavor as needed.
To clean the squid: (Check out the post to see step by step images)
- First, pull the head out. Reserve the tentacles. You can cut it into two if it is large.
2. Peel of the purple skin. No need to remove the purple skin from the tentacles.
3. Remove the transparent cartridge from the inside. You can also peel off the wings if you want circles to be consistent.
4. Rinse the inside thoroughly with water, making sure there is nothing left.
5. Pat dry the squids with a kitchen towel or place it in the colander for the excess water to drain.
6. Slice it thin into circles.
TIT-BITS OF BLOGGING:
Are you trying to advance your skills?
There are online courses like ShawAcademy and Lynda which can help you develop your creative, business and technical skills. They have free trials if you want to give it a try.
After the trial, if you decide to stick to it the amount is not much looking at the information you get. They provide you a certificate as well.
There are also free online courses with certifications from alison.com and edx.
Disclaimer: Technology changes every day, therefore, you must do your research before you decide to follow a specific website.
All links mentioned above are non-affiliate. I don’t get paid if you sign up. I have only tried ShawAcademy and I like the courses they have.
HEY THERE! HAPPY TO SEE YOU 🙂