Crispy Fried Calamari

crispy fried calamari“Calamari” or fried squid rings is a well-loved seafood appetizer all over the world. In the Philippines, squid is known as “pusit” in Tagalog language or “nokos” among Cebuano-speaking folks.

It can be prepared in a variety of ways–made into adobo, stuffed, sauteed, ginataan (with coconut milk), grilled, salted and dried, or cut into rings then dredged in batter and deep fried. This deep frying method results in a crispy fried calamari that can be enjoyed as appetizer or “pulutan“.

The secret to  making crispy fried calamari is in the batter.

I discovered that an equal ratio of all-purpose flour and cornstarch is the key, and finally dredging the squid rings in Panko bread crumbs before frying does the trick.

I’ve been using this recipe for years and it always produce consistent results. I often use frozen squid rings thawed under cold running water, although from time to time I use fresh or  frozen squids then clean and prep them for this dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:crispy fried calamari 02
1 lb frozen squid rings, thawed
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
2 large eggs
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (add more if you want it spicier)
½ tsp salt
⅛ tsp ground black pepper
1 cup Panko bread crumbs (Japanese-style)
2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Tools/Materials You’ll Need:
Paper towels
Mixing bowls (1 small, 1 medium)
1 Flat plate
Whisk/Fork
2 pcs chopsticks
Frying pan
Baking sheet

Procedure:

1. Pat squid rings with paper towels to dry.crispy fried calamari 03

2. In a small bowl, crack the eggs and lightly beat using a fork.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper.crispy fried calamari 04

In a separate plate, place Panko bread crumbs.crispy fried calamari 05

2. Now with the breading. Coat individual rings with flour-cornstarch mixture. Use a chopstick to dredge  the rings and also to pick them up.crispy fried calamari 06

3. Dip flour-coated squid rings one at a time in beaten eggs.Use the other chopstick for this task. When the ring is fully coated with the egg, dredge it with Panko bread crumbs and place on a plate. Make enough for batch frying.crispy fried calamari 07crispy fried calamari 08 crispy fried calamari 09crispy fried calamari 10

4. Heat oil over medium high heat till very hot (shimmering but not smoking).

5. Drop individual squid rings onto hot oil and fry for 30 seconds on each side till golden brown.crispy fried calamari 11crispy fried calamari 12

6. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.crispy fried calamari 137. Fry up another batch till done.

8. Serve warm with favorite dipping sauce.crispy fried calamari 14

Crispy Fried Calamari
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Appetizer
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 lb frozen squid rings, thawed
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (add more if you want it spicier)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs (Japanese-style)
  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
  1. Pat squid rings with paper towels to dry.
  2. In a small bowl, crack the eggs and lightly beat using a fork.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  4. In a separate plate, place Panko bread crumbs.
  5. Now with the breading. Coat individual rings with flour-cornstarch mixture. Use a chopstick to dredge the rings and also to pick them up.
  6. Dip flour-coated squid rings one at a time in beaten eggs.Use the other chopstick for this task. When the ring is fully coated with the egg, dredge it with Panko bread crumbs and place on a plate. Make enough for batch frying.
  7. Heat oil over medium high heat till very hot (shimmering but not smoking).
  8. Drop individual squid rings onto hot oil and fry for 30 seconds on each side till golden brown.
  9. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  10. Fry up another batch till done.
  11. Serve warm with favorite dipping sauce.

 

 

One Response

  1. yolomoments12 April 23, 2015