Calamari Fritti
Crispy, golden fried squid rings, lightly coated in semolina flour and served with fresh lemon wedges. A classic Italian appetizer that's surprisingly simple to make.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Squid
- 100 g Semolina flour(For coating the squid)
- as needed Vegetable oil or other high-smoke point oil(For deep frying, approximately 1-1.5 liters)
- 2 medium Lemons
- to taste Salt(Fine sea salt is recommended)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the squid: If not already cleaned, thoroughly clean the squid. Remove the quill (cartilage), beak, and eyes. Separate the tentacles from the bodies. Slice the squid bodies into rings about 1 cm (½ inch) thick. Leave the tentacles whole.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Dry the squid: This is a crucial step for crispiness. Pat the squid rings and tentacles completely dry with paper towels. Ensure there is no moisture, as this will prevent them from crisping and can cause oil splattering.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Coat the squid: Place the dried squid rings and tentacles in a bowl. Sprinkle the semolina flour over them. Toss gently until evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Heat the oil: Pour the oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of at least 7-8 cm (3 inches). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F). Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy. If you don't have a thermometer, a small piece of bread dropped into the oil should sizzle vigorously and turn golden brown in about 30 seconds.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Fry the calamari: Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot (which lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy calamari), carefully add the coated squid to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The squid will curl and float to the surface when done.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes (total for all batches) - 6
Drain and season: Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the fried calamari from the oil and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Immediately season generously with salt while still hot. Repeat with remaining squid.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 7
Serve: Arrange the hot, crispy calamari fritti on a serving platter. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the squid.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the squid is extremely dry before coating; this is key to achieving a crispy texture.
- ✓Maintain the oil temperature at 180°C (350°F) for optimal results. Too low, and it will be greasy; too high, and it will burn before cooking through.
- ✓Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy calamari.
- ✓Do not overcook the squid, as it can become tough and rubbery. It only takes a few minutes to fry.
- ✓Season immediately after frying while the calamari is still hot, so the salt adheres well.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Offer a spicy aioli or a lemon-herb aioli for a creamy, flavorful accompaniment.
- Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes to the semolina for a hint of spice.