Fried Calamari
Do you ever get that craving for something fried, and something that you typically only order out, but wish you could make at home? I know I do. And when I get that feeling, well, I typically try to recreate the experience, the flavor, and the texture, which typically yields positive results at a much lower cost. It was not too long ago when that feeling overcame me. I wanted that coastal bar food. You know the type. Fried oysters, or clams, or in my case, calamari.
I saw some nice, clean calamari at the store. If you have never had calamari, which is basically squid that is battered and fried, but let’s face it, some of us have had good calamari, and great calamari. Today, I am going to give you a recipe, that in my opinion, that is great calamari.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb clean squid, rings and tentacles
- 2 cups of butttermilk
- 1 cup of all purpose flour
- Your favorite marinara sauce, warmed
- 1 whole lemon, cut into wedges
- 3 cups of canola or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- additional salt for taste
Start by adding your cleaned squid to a mixing bowl, and add in the buttermilk. Mix, and let it marinate in the milk for at least one hour, if not two.
During this time, place the flour into another bowl and add in one teaspoon of salt, and one teaspoon of black pepper. Place your oil into your frying pot.
When you are ready to fry, heat up the oil to 375 degrees. During this time, drain the squid.
Add about a cup of the squid into the flour, give it a nice toss. You want a light coating here, nothing heavy. Add the coated squid into the heated oil. Repeat this process.
The squid will only take about 1-2 minutes to cook. Trust me, it does not take long for this super easy recipe that is packed full of fun and flavor.
Cook until a light golden brown, and remove onto a strainer with a slotted spoon, or a cooking spider. Season with a bit of salt. Repeat with the fry process until all is cooked.
Serve with a bowl of nice marinara sauce, lemon wedges, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Things so simple can be made at home for that coastal experience we all look forward from time to time. Enjoy.
