Crispy Calamari with Chipotle Lime Dip
Indulge in the perfect appetizer with our Crispy Calamari with Chipotle Lime Dip. This delightful dish features tender calamari, marinated in a zesty mixture of lemon juice and seasoned to perfection. Battered and fried to a crisp golden brown, each bite bursts with flavor, complemented by a smoky and spicy chipotle sauce. Perfect for gatherings, this dish is guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Serve warm with an extra squeeze of lime for that tangy kick, making it a must-try for any seafood lover.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Calamari
250 (washed and cleaned)
Lemon Juice
1 (tablespoon)
Black Pepper
1 (teaspoon)
Salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
Buttermilk
1 (cup)
Breadcrumbs
1/2 (cup)
Rice Flour
1/2 (teaspoon)
All-Purpose Flour
1 (teaspoon)
Oil
to fry (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing and cleaning the calamari under cold water. Drain and pat them dry using paper towels, ensuring they are free from excess moisture.
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add the cleaned calamari rings, coating them well with the marinade. Allow them to marinate for about 15 minutes.
3
While the calamari is marinating, prepare the batter. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon of rice flour, and 1 teaspoon of all-purpose flour until smooth.
4
Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).
5
Once the oil is hot, dip each calamari piece separately into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off before gently placing it into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they fry evenly.
6
Fry the calamari for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn a crispy golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil, and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7
Serve immediately with your favorite chipotle sauce and lime wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the calamari just before eating for an added burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary ingredient for this recipe?
The main ingredient is 250 grams of calamari, which should be washed and cleaned before preparation.
How long should the calamari marinate?
The calamari should be marinated for approximately 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
What is in the marinade for the calamari?
The marinade consists of 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What ingredients are used to make the batter?
The batter is made by mixing 1 cup of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon of rice flour, and 1 teaspoon of all-purpose flour.
At what temperature should the oil be heated for frying?
The oil should be heated to 180°C (350°F) before frying the calamari.
How long does it take to fry the calamari?
The calamari pieces should be fried for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn a crispy golden brown.
Why is rice flour included in the batter ingredients?
Rice flour is included to help achieve a lighter and crispier texture on the fried coating.
How should I prepare the calamari before marinating?
You should wash and clean the calamari under cold water, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Should I fry all the calamari at once?
No, you should avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure each piece fries evenly and remains crispy.
What dip is recommended for this dish?
A smoky and spicy chipotle sauce is recommended as the perfect dip for this crispy calamari.
What is the best way to serve the calamari?
Serve the calamari immediately while warm with lime wedges and chipotle sauce on the side.
When should I squeeze the lime juice over the calamari?
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the calamari just before eating to provide a fresh tangy kick.
What tool should be used to remove the fried calamari?
A slotted spoon should be used to safely remove the calamari from the hot oil.
Why do I need to pat the calamari dry before cooking?
Patting them dry ensures there is no excess moisture, which helps the batter stick better and prevents oil splattering.
What type of snack is this dish categorized as?
This dish is categorized as a seafood appetizer, finger food, or party snack.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
Yes, this recipe uses buttermilk as a key component of the battering process.
Is this dish considered spicy?
The calamari itself is mildly seasoned with pepper, while the spiciness comes primarily from the chipotle dipping sauce.
Can I use all-purpose flour only for the batter?
While you can, the recipe suggests a mix of breadcrumbs, rice flour, and all-purpose flour for the best texture.
How much black pepper is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of black pepper in the marinade.
What should I do with the calamari after taking it out of the oil?
Place the fried calamari on paper towels to drain any excess oil before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total including the calamari, seasonings, batter components, and oil.
Is this an Asian-style dish?
While it features seafood and rice flour, it is a fusion-style appetizer often associated with seafood cuisine and Asian-inspired tags.
Can I prepare this in a deep fryer?
Yes, you can use either a frying pan or a deep fryer to cook the calamari at 180°C.
What does the chipotle sauce add to the flavor profile?
The chipotle sauce adds a smoky and spicy element that complements the zesty, fried calamari.
How much salt is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of salt for the calamari marinade.
What is the role of buttermilk in the batter?
Buttermilk helps the dry coating ingredients adhere to the calamari and adds a slight tang.
How much rice flour should I use?
You only need 1/2 teaspoon of rice flour for this specific batter recipe.
Should the calamari be sliced into rings?
Yes, the recipe instructions mention coating calamari rings with the marinade.
Is it important to dip each piece separately?
Yes, dipping each piece separately into the batter ensures an even coat and prevents them from clumping together in the oil.
How much breadcrumbs are needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to create the crispy outer layer.