Recipe

Crispy Greek Fried Calamari

Mediterranean Delight: Crispy Greek Fried Calamari

4.8 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Greece with this mouthwatering recipe for Crispy Greek Fried Calamari. This traditional Greek dish features tender calamari rings coated in a crispy batter and fried to perfection. It's a delightful appetizer that captures the essence of Greek cuisine.

Seafood› Mollusk Dish› Squid Dish› Kalamarakia tiganita

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Greek cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

30 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Mediterranean diet, Pescatarian diet, Gluten-free diet, Dairy-free diet, Low-carb diet

Allergens

Seafood, Gluten

Not suitable for

Vegan diet, Vegetarian diet, Paleo diet, Keto diet, Nut-free diet

Ingredients

500g (1.1 lb) fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into rings 500g (1.1 lb) fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 1g
Protein: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1.
In a bowl, combine the calamari rings, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
2.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and paprika.
3.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to 180°C (350°F).
4.
Drain the calamari rings from the marinade and toss them in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
5.
Carefully drop a few calamari rings into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
6.
Remove the fried calamari rings from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining calamari rings.
8.
Serve the Crispy Greek Fried Calamari hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Calamari — Make sure to clean the calamari thoroughly and remove any innards before cutting it into rings. This will ensure a clean and enjoyable eating experience.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra crispy texture, you can double-coat the calamari rings by dipping them in the flour mixture, then in a beaten egg, and finally back in the flour mixture before frying.
Serve the Crispy Greek Fried Calamari immediately after frying to maintain its crispiness.
If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.

Serving advice

Crispy Greek Fried Calamari is best served as an appetizer or part of a Greek meze platter. Arrange the fried calamari rings on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with tzatziki sauce, lemon wedges, and a side of Greek salad for a complete Greek dining experience.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of Crispy Greek Fried Calamari, serve it in a rustic-style basket lined with parchment paper. Add a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the fried calamari rings for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.