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Crispy Salt and Pepper Calamari

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 35 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Calories: 88/serving
pescatarian
Contains: gluten shellfish
Crispy Salt and Pepper Calamari

Instructions

  1. 1

    Clean the calamari thoroughly, removing any remaining cartilage. Pat completely dry with paper towels and cut into 1cm (½ inch) rings. Keep tentacles whole.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of the sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, white pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.

  3. 3

    Heat oil in a deep pot or wok to 180°C (350°F). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

  4. 4

    Working in batches, toss calamari pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. The coating should be light.

  5. 5

    Carefully drop coated calamari into hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pot.

  6. 6

    Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still hot, sprinkle with remaining sea salt and black pepper.

  7. 7

    Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Chef's Note

"The key to perfect calamari is the oil temperature - too cool and it absorbs oil, too hot and it burns. Keep that thermometer handy! For extra tenderness, you can soak the calamari in buttermilk for 30 minutes before coating."

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