Fried Squid Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Dish to Try Today

Fried squid is a delicious and popular seafood dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. This crispy and flavourful dish is easy to make and can be served with a variety of dips and sauces.

To make fried squid, you will need fresh squid, flour, cornmeal, and seasonings such as salt and pepper. The squid is cleaned and cut into rings, then coated in the flour mixture before being fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy and tender dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Whether you are a seafood lover or just looking for a new recipe to try, fried squid is a great choice. With its crispy texture and delicious flavour, this dish is sure to become a favourite in your household.

Key Takeaways

• Fried squid is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish.
• The recipe requires fresh squid, flour, cornmeal, and seasonings.
• Fried squid can be served as an appetizer or main course and is sure to impress your guests.

Preparation and Ingredients

If you're looking for a quick and easy recipe for fried squid, you've come to the right place. Here's everything you need to know to make delicious fried squid at home.

Selecting the Squid

When it comes to selecting the squid, fresh is always best. Look for squid that is firm and shiny, with no signs of discolouration or sliminess. If you can't find fresh squid, frozen squid will work just as well.

Creating the Batter

To create the perfect batter for your fried squid, you'll need a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and kosher salt. You can also add seasoning such as paprika, garlic, and lemon juice to give your batter a little extra flavour.

Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl, then add in your wet ingredients - buttermilk, egg, and milk. Whisk the batter until it's smooth and lump-free.

Dredging and Frying

Before you start dredging your squid, make sure it's been cleaned and sliced into rings. To create the perfect coating for your squid, you'll need to dredge it in a mixture of seasoned flour and cornstarch.

Heat up your neutral oil in a deep frying pan or a wok. Once it's hot enough, dip the squid rings into the batter and then into the breading mixture. Shake off any excess breading and carefully place the squid rings into the hot oil.

Fry the squid rings for 1-2 minutes or until they're golden brown and crispy. Once they're done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them onto a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

You can use any neutral oil such as grapeseed oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil for frying. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour. Don't forget to sieve the flour to remove any lumps before using it for dredging.

Serving and Nutritional Information

Serving Suggestions

Fried squid is a delicious appetizer that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Lemon wedges, marinara sauce, tartar sauce, garlic mayo, and tzatziki are all great options. You can also sprinkle some fresh oregano on top for a Mediterranean twist. Fried calamari is a popular dish in many restaurants and is often served as part of a mezze platter.

Health Considerations

Fried squid is a tasty treat, but it is important to consider the nutritional value of the dish. One serving of crispy fried calamari (100g) contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the frying method and batter used. It also contains around 10-15g of protein, which is an essential nutrient for building and repairing muscle tissue.

However, fried squid is also high in fat and sodium. One serving of fried calamari can contain up to 20g of fat, including saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats. It can also contain up to 500mg of sodium, which is around 20% of the recommended daily intake. To reduce the fat and sodium content, you can use a neutral oil for frying, such as vegetable or canola oil, and sprinkle some kosher salt and black pepper on top instead of excess flour.

To make sure that your fried squid is cooked to perfection, it is important to maintain the oil temperature at around 180-190°C. You can use a deep fryer or a Dutch oven for frying, and a spider or a slotted spoon for removing the squid from the oil. You can also try using an air fryer for a healthier option.

To tenderize the squid and achieve a crispy crust, you can use a mixture of cornstarch and cayenne pepper, or a batter made with flour, cornstarch, and beer. You can also marinate the squid in lemon juice and olive oil for a few hours before frying to add some extra flavour and tenderize the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to a crispy calamari batter?

The secret to a crispy calamari batter is to use a mixture of all-purpose flour and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps to create a light and crispy texture, while the flour provides structure. You can also add a pinch of baking powder to the batter to make it even crispier.

How long should you marinate calamari before frying it?

Marinating calamari before frying it is not necessary, but you can marinate it for up to 30 minutes to help tenderize the meat. A simple marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic works well.

Can you fry squid without using buttermilk, and how?

Yes, you can fry squid without using buttermilk. Instead, you can soak the squid in a mixture of milk and lemon juice for 30 minutes before coating it in flour and frying it.

What are the essential ingredients for a classic fried calamari dish?

The essential ingredients for a classic fried calamari dish are squid, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and vegetable oil for frying. Lemon wedges are also typically served alongside the dish.

Is it necessary to boil squid prior to frying for better texture?

No, it is not necessary to boil squid prior to frying for better texture. Boiling squid can actually make it tough and rubbery. Instead, you can simply slice the squid into rings or strips and coat it in flour before frying it.

What's the best way to ensure squid is tender when frying?

The best way to ensure squid is tender when frying is to cook it quickly over high heat. Overcooking can make the squid tough and rubbery. It's also important to slice the squid into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.