Calamari Fritti

Crispy, golden calamari fritti brings a taste of coastal Italy to your table. Tender squid rings, lightly seasoned and fried, pair perfectly with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Serve with "Gratsi Wine" for the ultimate Italian appetizer experience.

By Frank Occhino

@uncle_franks_backyard_pizza

October 21, 2024

Calamari Fritti

By Frank Occhino

Ingredients

1

lb calamari (squid), cleaned and cut into ¾ inch rings
1

cup milk (for soaking)
1

cup all-purpose flour
1

tsp garlic powder
1

tsp paprika
1/2

tsp salt
1/4

tsp black pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

TOTAL TIME

25 minutes

4 servings

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes (plus 30-60 minutes for soaking)

Cook Time: 10 minutes (frying in batches)

A man stands by a plate of fried calamari with lemon wedges, next to a white wine box labeled Gratsi. A wood-fired pizza oven glows in the background under a Pizzeria sign.

STEP 1

Soak the Calamari: Place the calamari rings in a bowl and cover with milk. Let them soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour to tenderize the squid.

STEP 2

Prepare the Coating: In a dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

A metal mixing bowl filled with a blend of white flour, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and baking powder, sitting on a wooden surface.

STEP 3

Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or large saucepan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

STEP 4

Coat the Calamari: Remove the calamari from the milk and drain off excess liquid. Dredge each ring in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.

A metal bowl filled with sliced white calamari sits on a tray atop a wooden table, with two lemons and a glass nearby. Two people are partially visible, one standing and one sitting beside the table.

STEP 5

Fry the Calamari: Working in batches, fry the coated calamari rings in the hot oil for about 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the calamari tough.

A man in a black t-shirt uses a slotted spoon to lift pieces of fried food from a pan of hot oil on an outdoor stove, with a cooling rack and baking sheet nearby.

STEP 6

Drain: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried calamari to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

STEP 7

Serve immediately with lemon wedges and enjoy with your favorite Gratsi wine!

A plate of golden, crispy fried calamari garnished with chopped herbs sits on parchment paper. A sliced lemon and a glass of white wine are in the background, with a blurred kitchen scene behind.

Calamari Fritti

Calamari Fritti