Calamari Fritti
Crispy fried squid rings with a tender interior, seasoned simply with salt and lemon. A classic Italian appetizer that's ready in minutes.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 285
- Protein
- 24g
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb whole squid
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1 whole lemon
Instructions
- 1
Clean squid by removing the head and tentacles from the body. Pull out the transparent quill from inside the body. Rinse thoroughly under cold water.
- 2
Pat squid completely dry with paper towels. Cut the body into 0.25-inch rings. Leave tentacles whole or cut larger ones in half.
- 3
Combine flour, sea salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
- 4
Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to 375°F, measured with a thermometer.
- 5
Working in batches, coat squid pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Do not crowd the pot.
- 6
Carefully add coated squid to hot oil. Fry for 1.5 to 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy, stirring gently.
- 7
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Repeat with remaining squid.
- 8
Serve immediately while hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over top.
Tools you’ll need
- paring knife
- cutting board
- paper towels
- shallow bowl
- large heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet
- deep-fry thermometer
- slotted spoon
- paper towel-lined plate
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