Crispy Salt and Pepper Calamari

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh calamari rings 500g (1.1 lb) fresh calamari rings
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 0g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 180°C (350°F).
3. 3.
   Pat dry the calamari rings with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
4. 4.
   Toss the calamari rings in the seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Carefully drop a few calamari rings at a time into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried calamari to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Repeat the frying process with the remaining calamari rings.
8. 8.
   Serve the Crispy Salt and Pepper Calamari hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Calamari — Ensure the calamari rings are fresh and properly cleaned before using. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, as this will help achieve a crispy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoned flour mixture.
• Serve the Crispy Salt and Pepper Calamari immediately after frying to maintain its crispiness.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake the coated calamari rings in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Serving advice

Crispy Salt and Pepper Calamari is best served as an appetizer or main course. Arrange the fried calamari rings on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the calamari to add a tangy flavor.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, serve the Crispy Salt and Pepper Calamari on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves or alongside a colorful salad. You can also sprinkle some additional paprika or black pepper on top for an extra touch of visual appeal.