Baked Squid Rings: A Delicious and Light Seafood Dish
If you’re looking for a tasty yet light alternative to traditional fried seafood, look no further than this baked squid rings recipe. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these squid rings are packed with flavor, thanks to the subtle spice of sweet paprika and the richness of extra virgin olive oil. A perfect dish for seafood lovers, this recipe is simple to follow and ideal for anyone seeking a healthier yet equally delicious way to prepare calamari.
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Baked Squid Rings
- Category: Main Courses
- Serves: 4
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Squid (calamari) | 600g |
| Bread crumbs (pangrattato) | 200g |
| Sweet paprika | 20g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Squid
Start by rinsing the squid under cold running water. Then, separate the head from the body (mantle), setting the head aside for later. Remove the transparent cartilage pen, which can be found inside the body of the squid, and discard it. Rinse the body again to remove any remaining entrails or ink sac. Next, peel off the outer skin of the squid: make a small incision at the end of the body and gently peel it away using your fingers or a knife. Remove any fins along the sides as well. Finally, take the head that you set aside earlier and separate it from the tentacles. Rinse everything thoroughly under cold water. -
Slice the Squid
Once the squid is cleaned, slice the body into rings about 1 cm thick. Keep the tentacles whole for later. -
Prepare the Breading
In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with sweet paprika and a pinch of salt. This will create the flavorful coating for the squid. The paprika will give the rings a beautiful color and a mild, sweet spiciness that pairs wonderfully with the delicate taste of calamari. -
Bread the Squid
Gently dip the squid rings and tentacles into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. To prevent excess breadcrumbs from sticking, you can use a sifter or fine mesh sieve to shake off any extra crumbs. This step helps achieve a light, even coating without making the squid too heavy. -
Prepare the Baking Sheet
Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Then, line it with parchment paper, pressing down gently to ensure the paper adheres to the surface of the tray. This will prevent the squid from sticking and make for an easy cleanup after cooking. -
Arrange the Squid
Lay the breaded squid rings and tentacles on the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out evenly to ensure they bake uniformly. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top of the squid to help them crisp up in the oven. -
Bake the Squid
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the squid rings are golden and crispy. Check on them halfway through the baking time and give them a gentle shake or flip to ensure even browning. -
Serving
Once the squid is perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve immediately with a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra burst of freshness, or pair them with a light dipping sauce like aioli or marinara for added flavor. These squid rings are perfect as a main course, served with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, or as a light appetizer for a seafood-themed dinner.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Baked Squid Rings
- Don’t Overcook the Squid: Squid can turn rubbery if overcooked, so be sure to keep a close eye on them while they bake. Aim for a light golden color on the breading for the best texture.
- Flavor Variations: While this recipe uses sweet paprika, you can experiment with different spices to suit your taste. Consider adding garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Make It a Meal: Serve the baked squid rings with a side of quinoa, couscous, or roasted potatoes to create a balanced and filling meal.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re preparing this dish for a larger group, feel free to double or triple the quantities. Just be sure to bake the squid in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Why This Recipe Works
The simplicity of baked squid rings, combined with the crunchy, flavorful coating, makes this dish a winner for anyone craving seafood without the heaviness of frying. The sweet paprika and olive oil add a rich yet balanced flavor, while the oven-baking method ensures a light and crispy texture. Best of all, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion meal.
For more delicious and healthy seafood recipes, be sure to check out our full collection at Love With Recipes.
