Dive into an unforgettable seafood experience as you prepare robust and flavorful Crispy Fried Calamari.
After spending my childhood summers at the New Jersey shore, ordering calamari at a restaurant seemed like a rite of passage. With the abundance of seafood restaurants on the boardwalk, plus the salty ocean air, I was always craving that delicious crunch when I’d walk into a restaurant. It’s no surprise that crispy fried calamari is a staple at many seafood restaurants, no matter where you’re located. It’s a universally popular appetizer that can be shared and enjoyed at the table.
As an adult, nostalgia got the better of me. There I was in my own kitchen, trying to recreate those little golden rings. At first, I thought it would be better to leave calamari to the professionals. How could I get that perfectly crispy texture? But making it brought back all the feels and made me realize how much I love this easy (and downright satisfying) recipe. There’s something about the seasoned flour that adds a unique flavor that I’m always craving. Now, I have come to realize that I can enjoy crispy fried calamari any time. Calamari isn’t just the perfect restaurant starter; it can easily be made at home as well!
Is This Crispy Fried Calamari Healthy?
While calamari can be considered a healthy seafood option thanks to its protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12, there are some downsides. It is high in cholesterol and may contain high levels of mercury depending on the type of calamari. The buttermilk used to coat the calamari is rich in probiotics, calcium and vitamin D. It can be high in sodium, which is an important consideration if you’re watching your salt intake. All-purpose flour is another key element, which is high in carbohydrates and low in fiber. You may want to consider swapping in a blend of rice flour and cornstarch as an alternative. That will also give you a gluten-free calamari dish. Since this is a fried dish, it is not exactly diet-friendly, so this recipe is best consumed in moderation.
Amp Up The Flavor Profile
This recipe uses salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in the flour mixture, but that’s just your first step. For a spicy version, I like to add in cayenne pepper to the blend. If you’re craving an earthy flavor, I’d encourage you to try oregano and garlic powder. The combination offers savory and herbaceous notes. For something truly outside the box, mix your flour with five-spice powder. The combination adds a very complex and unique flavor to the dish. If you’re after more punch, sprinkle in some Parmesan for a cheesy twist. You can even consider coatings like cornmeal, breadcrumbs, or panko for an even crispier texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Crispy fried calamari is best served straight from the pan. If you have any leftovers (I’ll be shocked!), you can put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the air fryer or in the oven at 350°F until they’re warm. You’ll want to avoid reheating in the microwave to avoid soggy calamari.
Serving Suggestions
For the perfect seafood experience, serve these golden calamari rings immediately out of the frying pan. Crispy fried calamari is absolutely delicious with other seafood dishes like Crispy Air-Fried Fish and Crab Salad. It’s not just an appetizer, either. Set calamari atop a Green Salad or with a side of Coleslaw. Don’t forget a generous squeeze of lemon juice for that extra zest and a side of Tartar Sauce for dipping. While tartar sauce is the standard go-to, I like to try some other sauces like Remoulade Sauce or Aioli. Enjoy alongside a chilled Wine Spritzer for a fresh and exquisite meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound calamari
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 lemon sliced
Instructions
- Cut the calamari into rings and combine with buttermilk in a medium bowl.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, pepper, and paprika to a separate, medium bowl. Stir to combine.
- Remove the calamari rings from the buttermilk and place them in a sieve to remove excess liquid. Coat the rings with the flour mixture and set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan on medium-high heat. Add the coated calamari rings. Fry for 2 minutes until crispy. Remove the fried calamari rings from the pan and pat dry on a paper-towel lined plate.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the calamari. Garnish with lemon slices and serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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