Ingredients of Fried Calamari
1 pound calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
1 cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil, for frying
Lemon wedges, for serving
Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions for making Fried Calamari:
Prepare the Calamari:
Start by cleaning the calamari and cutting it into 1/2-inch rings. If your calamari includes tentacles, leave them whole.
Mix the Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until well combined.
Soak the Calamari:
Place the calamari rings and tentacles in a separate bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the calamari and allows the coating to adhere better.
Heat the Oil:
While the calamari is soaking, heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the calamari.
Coat the Calamari:
Drain the calamari from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the calamari in the flour mixture, coating each piece evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
Fry the Calamari:
Carefully drop the coated calamari into the hot oil in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the calamari from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Serve:
Serve the fried calamari immediately with lemon wedges and marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips:
For an extra-crispy coating, you can double-dip the calamari in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the calamari from becoming greasy.
This Fried Calamari recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy, tender calamari with a flavorful coating, perfect for a delicious appetizer or snack.
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