How to Prepare Fried Calamari

Fried Calamari Recipe: Crispy and Delicious

Fried calamari is a traditional Mediterranean favorite that involves coating rings of squid lightly in batter and then frying them golden. While restaurants are great places to get them, making them at home is relatively easier than you think, especially if you have superior quality calamari from Sizzlefish, which are caught in the North Atlantic and frozen when in peak condition. This leads to a nice combination of crispy, tender calamari that is loaded with buttery flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

• Premium Ingredients: Sizzlefish calamari comes from wild calamari that's flash frozen in its freshest state to ensure it's tender and buttery.

• Perfect Texture: Calamari is fried quickly to produce a crunchy crust with a soft interior.

• Customizable: Spices or dips can be suited to personal preference, from classic to zesty or spicy.

What Makes Calamari Tender (Not Chewy)

Ideally, calamari is supposed to be crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, not hard and rubbery. To achieve this, the key is to have high temperatures and quick cooking. Calamari cooks really quickly, and going beyond 1-2 minutes in hot oil is going to make it hard and chewy.

Flash-frozen, high-quality calamari means there aren't any needed tricks to tenderize it or long marinades required. Simply thaw, dry it well, and cook at the right temperature. When you're starting with good seafood ingredients, it is not difficult to achieve tender calamari.

Try This Recipe with Sizzlefish Calamari

Sizzlefish Calamari is wild-caught fresh from the North Atlantic and flash-frozen to capture its delicate texture and mild, buttery taste. We have unbreaded calamari tubes and tentacles available in 1-pound packs, which give you the flexibility to prepare and season the calamari as you prefer, whether by frying, grilling, or sautéing. This high-quality calamari is ideal for quick thawing and cooking, so you will have the same taste that restaurants offer in your own kitchen. Apart from its rich taste, calamari is a healthy seafood option since it contains plenty of omega-3s, protein, and vital vitamins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Frying Calamari

Even a basic recipe could fall through if you don't know the right techniques. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcrowding the pan, which reduces the oil temperature

• Overcooking is the leading cause of chewy calamari

• Using oil that’s too cool

• Avoid the drying step to promote a crisp coating

By using top-quality Sizzlefish calamari and following the above advice, you too can make restaurant-quality fried calamari at home.

What to Serve with Fried Calamari

Serving fried calamari with complementary dishes improves your dining experience:

• Classic Dips: Either marinara sauce or garlic aioli.

• Fresh Salad: Arugula or a mix of greens with lemon dressing

• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus

• Rice or Risotto: Rice or risotto flavored with lemon for a satisfying meal

• Garlic Bread: Great for dipping in the sauce

• Drinks: White wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio), light beer, or sparkling water with lemon

FAQ’s for Fried Calamari

Q: What is the best way to defrost frozen calamari?

A: Thaw in refrigerator for 6 hours, or in cold water in a sealed bag for 30-60 minutes.

Q: How do I stop calamari from becoming rubbery?

A: Fry quickly for 1-2 minutes at 350°F. Toughness is caused mainly by overcooking.

Q: Can I bake the calamari instead of frying?

A: Yes! Coat lightly and bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.

Q: Is the Sizzlefish calamari breaded already?

A: No. It comes unbreaded, so you can add your preferred amount of coating and seasoning.