Description
Crispy calamariere features tender squid coated with seasoned flour and cornstarch, quickly fried until pale golden, then finished with fresh parsley and lemon.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cleaned squid, bodies and tentacles
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 4 cups neutral frying oil, or enough for 2 to 3 inches in the pot
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large lemon, cut into wedges
- 1 cup warm marinara sauce, optional, for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the cleaned squid briefly under cold water and remove any remaining membrane or residue.
- Slice the squid bodies crosswise into 1/2-inch rings and leave small tentacles whole.
- Place the squid in a bowl, cover with the milk, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Combine the flour, cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes in a shallow bowl.
- Drain the squid thoroughly and pat every piece very dry with paper towels.
- Pour the frying oil into a heavy pot to a depth of about 2 to 3 inches and heat to 350°F.
- Coat a small batch of squid in the seasoned flour mixture and shake away the excess.
- Carefully lower the squid into the hot oil without crowding the pot.
- Fry for 60 to 90 seconds, or until crisp and pale golden.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack or paper-towel-lined plate.
- Return the oil to 350°F and repeat with the remaining squid.
- Season the hot calamariere with the remaining salt and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and warm marinara sauce if desired.
Notes
- Pat the squid thoroughly dry before coating for a lighter, crisper crust.
- Keep the frying oil near 350°F and let it recover between batches.
- Do not crowd the pot because overcrowding lowers the oil temperature.
- Avoid overcooking the squid or it can become chewy.
- Serve immediately for the crispest texture.
- Nutrition values are estimated per serving.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 510
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 265