Kalamarakia Tiganita
Greek Fried Squid
Authentic Greek fried squid rings, known as Kalamarakia Tiganita, are a quintessential taverna dish. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and best enjoyed with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. A taste of the Greek seaside.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Fresh squid (cleaned)(Ensure squid is cleaned of any ink sacs and the quill. You can buy pre-cleaned squid or clean it yourself. If cleaning yourself, remove the head, tentacles, and the transparent quill. Peel off the outer skin if desired.)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour(For dredging the squid.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste, for seasoning the flour.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper(Freshly ground, for seasoning the flour.)
- 3-4 cups Olive oil(For deep frying. A neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable oil can also be used, but olive oil adds a subtle flavor.)
- 2 medium Lemon(One for serving, cut into wedges, and one optional for squeezing over the squid before serving.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the squid: If not already cleaned, thoroughly clean the squid. Remove the head and tentacles (set aside if you wish to fry them separately). Remove the transparent quill from inside the mantle. Peel off the outer skin if desired. Rinse the squid bodies under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Slice the squid bodies into rings, about 1 cm (1/2 inch) thick. Ensure they are thoroughly dry; this is crucial for crispiness.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Season the flour: In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well combined.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Coat the squid: Add the squid rings to the seasoned flour, a handful at a time. Toss gently to ensure each ring is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. You can also place the coated rings on a wire rack for a few minutes while you heat the oil.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Heat the oil: Pour the olive oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F). To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a tiny pinch of flour into it; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 5
Fry the squid: Carefully add the floured squid rings to the hot oil in batches. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy squid. Fry for 2-4 minutes, or until the rings are golden brown and crispy. They cook very quickly.
⏱️ 3-4 minutes per batch - 6
Drain and season: Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the fried squid from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with a little extra salt while still hot, if desired.
⏱️ 1 minute - 7
Serve immediately: Arrange the hot, crispy kalamarakia on a serving platter. Serve at once with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the squid. The contrast of hot, crispy squid and fresh, tart lemon is essential.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure squid is thoroughly dry before dredging in flour. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- ✓Do not overcrowd the frying pot. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve optimal crispiness.
- ✓The oil must be hot enough (180°C / 350°F) before adding the squid. If the oil is too cool, the squid will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- ✓Kalamarakia Tiganita are best served immediately after frying. They lose their crispiness quickly.
- ✓For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of dried oregano to the flour mixture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve with a side of Skordalia (garlic dip) for a classic pairing.
- Offer Tzatziki sauce for a creamy, cooling accompaniment.
- Fry the tentacles along with the rings for added texture.