Pan-Fried Calamari Rings Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Recipe Category: Squid
Recipe Yield: 4 appetizer servings
Description:
Pan-fried calamari rings, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, are a perfect appetizer when you’re craving something rich and indulgent. This simple yet delectable dish can be whipped up in no time and is guaranteed to wow your guests with its crispy texture and savory flavor. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both a crowd-pleaser and easy to prepare, this pan-fried calamari rings recipe fits the bill. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a tangy aioli, for a truly unforgettable experience. You’ll fall in love with these crispy, golden rings of goodness.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Squid Rings | 16 rings |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup |
| Cayenne Pepper | 1 tsp |
| Kosher Salt | 1 tsp |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Vegetable Oil | For frying (as needed) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 448.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 438.7 mg |
| Sodium | 853.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 58.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g |
| Sugars | 3.1 g |
| Protein | 32.4 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dry Coating:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution. Feel free to add any additional herbs or zest, such as lemon zest, to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
-
Beat the Eggs:
- Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and beat them lightly with a fork or whisk. This will be used to dip the calamari rings after they’ve been coated with the seasoned flour.
-
Prepare the Panko:
- Spread the panko breadcrumbs out evenly on a plate. These breadcrumbs will provide the golden, crispy exterior to the calamari rings once fried.
-
Heat the Oil:
- In a medium-to-large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to shallow-fry the calamari, but be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will result in soggy rather than crispy rings.
-
Coat the Calamari:
- Take a few thawed squid rings and dip them first into the seasoned flour, ensuring they are coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the flour-coated calamari into the beaten eggs, ensuring the entire ring is lightly covered.
-
Breadcrumb Coating:
- After the egg dip, roll the calamari rings in the panko breadcrumbs. An easy way to do this is to place the panko in a plastic Ziploc bag and gently shake the bag to coat the rings. This ensures an even and crispy breadcrumb layer.
-
Fry the Calamari:
- Carefully place the breadcrumb-coated calamari rings into the preheated oil. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure each ring fries evenly. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes or until the panko turns golden brown and the calamari is tender.
-
Avoid Overcooking:
- It’s important not to overcook the calamari, as this will lead to a rubbery texture. Once the calamari rings are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the fried calamari rings to a serving plate and serve with a dipping sauce of your choice. A tangy aioli, such as Mean Chef’s Aioli, pairs perfectly with the richness of the fried calamari.
-
Enjoy!
- Sit back, relax, and enjoy this indulgent appetizer with friends and family. And for a moment of balance, you might want to go for a run—or take a well-deserved nap!
Additional Tips:
- Substitute Ingredients: If you prefer a spicier flavor, try adding a bit more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or include other spices such as paprika or garlic powder.
- Calamari Tips: Ensure that the calamari is thawed properly before coating, as frozen calamari can release excess water that may affect the texture of the coating.
- Healthier Version: For a lighter version, you can bake the coated calamari rings in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for a crispy finish.
This recipe serves 4 as an appetizer or 2-3 as a main dish, making it perfect for a light, indulgent meal. Enjoy these crispy calamari rings, and don’t forget the dipping sauce for an extra punch of flavor!
