Delicious and Easy Calamari Recipe: How to Pan Fry Calamari
Calamari, also known as squid, is a popular seafood dish that is enjoyed by many around the world. One of the most delicious ways to prepare calamari is by pan frying it. Pan frying calamari gives it a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. If you’re looking to impress your friends and family with a simple yet impressive seafood dish, then learning how to pan fry calamari is a must!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Before you start cooking, make sure you have these ingredients on hand:
- 1 pound of fresh calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking!
- First, pat the calamari rings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the flour coating to stick better.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- While the oil is heating, dredge the calamari rings in the seasoned flour, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the calamari rings in the skillet in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will prevent the calamari from getting crispy.
- Cook the calamari for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the calamari from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the pan fried calamari hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Tips for Success:
Here are a few tips to ensure your pan fried calamari turns out perfectly:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the calamari. If the oil is not hot, the calamari will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Work in batches to fry the calamari, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Don’t overcook the calamari, as it can become tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn golden brown.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. You can add garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or any other spices you enjoy.
Now that you know how to pan fry calamari, you can impress your friends and family with this delicious seafood dish. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a snack, pan fried calamari is sure to be a hit!
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