Description
Crispy, golden fried calamari rings made with a tenderizing soak in heavy cream and a seasoned dry batter, perfect as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1-2 lbs fresh or frozen squid, sliced into rings
Tenderizing Mixture
- 2 cups heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for tenderizing)
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Frying
- Vegetable oil (enough to fill skillet 3 inches deep, for frying)
Instructions
- Slice Squid Rings: Begin by slicing your squid into even rings and set them aside to prepare for tenderizing.
- Tenderize Squid: Place the squid rings into a large bowl, add 1 teaspoon salt and 2 cups of heavy cream (or milk) to tenderize the squid. Let it soak for at least 20 minutes to improve texture and flavor.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 3 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet, then preheat the oil to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying.
- Prepare Dry Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, cornstarch, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Coat Squid: Remove squid from tenderizing mixture and coat each piece thoroughly in the dry batter, shaking off any excess flour to ensure an even, light coating.
- Fry Squid: Fry the squid rings in batches in the hot oil for about 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: After frying, remove squid rings with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Soaking squid in heavy cream tenderizes it, but you can substitute with milk if preferred.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure crispy calamari without sogginess.
- Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding and uneven cooking.
- Drain fried calamari on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
- Serve with lemon wedges and dipping sauces like marinara or aioli for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
