Calamari Fritti Recipe: Crispy Italian Fried Squid

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FRANK'S KITCHEN

Calamari Fritti Recipe: Crispy Italian Fried Squid

Name: Calamari Friti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
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)

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

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) Calamari fritti is the ultimate seaside starter — pair it with a simple Cabbage Salad for a light and bright Mediterranean spread. For more island vibes, read about Capraia — Italy's wild, car-free island in the Tuscan Archipelago. Best washed down with a box of Gratsi.

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

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

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

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

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

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 and Rest

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

STEP 7: Serve

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.

The market

Red Wine

$39

White Wine

$39

Rosé Wine

$39