🌍 Cultural Description:
Crunchy calamari rings are a classic Mediterranean and Italian-style appetizer, found in seafood restaurants and street markets alike. Known for their crisp golden coating and tender squid interior, they are a crowd-pleaser served with sauces like marinara or aioli.
🍽️ Nutritional Highlights:
Calamari is a lean source of protein, low in calories, and rich in vitamins B12 and selenium. When prepared in moderation with healthy frying oil, it makes a satisfying and protein-rich treat.
💡 Recipe Success Tips:
Use fresh or thawed squid, cleaned and sliced into uniform rings.
Soak the squid briefly in buttermilk for tenderness.
Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
🛒 Ingredients (Brief Description):
Squid (300g, cleaned and sliced into rings): The base seafood component.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Helps tenderize the squid.
Flour (½ cup): First layer for dredging.
Cornstarch (½ cup): Adds light crispiness.
Paprika (1 tsp): Flavor and golden color.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Mild aromatic depth.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Balanced seasoning.
Oil for Frying (e.g., vegetable or canola oil): For deep-frying.
Lemon Wedges (for serving): Fresh citrus contrast.
👩🍳 Preparation Method:
Place squid rings in buttermilk and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F).
Remove squid from buttermilk, dredge in flour mixture to coat evenly.
🔥 Cooking Method:
Fry squid in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.
🍚 Serving Suggestions:
Serve with marinara sauce, aioli, or a garlic-yogurt dip. Best enjoyed hot as an appetizer or side dish.
⏱️ Recipe Details:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Serves: 2
📊 Nutritional Value (per serving):
Calories: 300 kcal
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
❄️ Storage Instructions:
Refrigeration: Best eaten fresh. Leftovers can be stored for up to 1 day but lose crispiness.
Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven for 5–7 minutes to restore texture.
Calamari is a lean source of protein, low in calories, and rich in vitamins B12 and selenium. When prepared in moderation with healthy frying oil, it makes a satisfying and protein-rich treat.
Servings 2
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
❄️ Storage Instructions:
Refrigeration: Best eaten fresh. Leftovers can be stored for up to 1 day but lose crispiness.
Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven for 5–7 minutes to restore texture.
Hi, I'm Nagi Bilo, a seafood chef, food blogger and full-time cook and blogger. I live in London with my family. I love traveling, swimming, sharing new recipes and spending time with my family.