Crispy Garlic Calamari Delight
Experience the irresistible crunch and delectable flavors of this Crispy Garlic Calamari Delight recipe! Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these tender calamari rings are coated in a savory blend of breadcrumbs, garlic, and spices, then fried to golden perfection. Serve them hot with zesty lemon wedges, a creamy garlic mayo, and a rich marinara sauce, making this dish an ideal companion for gatherings or a cozy night in. Your guests will be asking for seconds!
4
Servings
350
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
calamari
1 lb (cleaned and cut into rings)
cornmeal or cornstarch
1/4 cup (for coating)
eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
garlic
2 cloves (mashed)
breadcrumbs
1 cup (preferably garlic and parsley flavored)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
oil
for frying (ensure sufficient depth for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the calamari: thoroughly clean and slice the squid into uniform rings.
2
In a shallow dish, spread the cornmeal or cornstarch. Coat the calamari rings in the cornmeal, ensuring to shake off any excess for an even layer.
3
In another bowl, combine the slightly beaten eggs with the mashed garlic. Dip the coated calamari rings into this egg-garlic mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
4
Next, in a separate plate, combine the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt. Coat the calamari rings in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs.
5
At this point, you can refrigerate the prepared calamari rings for up to a couple of hours to enhance the flavors.
6
When you are ready to fry, heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet, aiming for a temperature just below the smoking point—this is key for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
7
Carefully drop the calamari rings into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 1 minute or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
8
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried calamari and transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
9
Serve your Crispy Garlic Calamari Delight immediately, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and accompanied by garlic mayo and marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Garlic Calamari Delight?
It is a flavorful seafood dish featuring tender calamari rings coated in cornmeal, garlic-infused egg wash, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then fried until golden.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 350 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this calamari dish?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
The dish contains 27.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much calamari is needed for the recipe?
You need 1 lb of calamari, cleaned and cut into rings.
What is the first step in coating the calamari?
The first step is to coat the cleaned calamari rings in 1/4 cup of cornmeal or cornstarch.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 2 slightly beaten eggs.
How should the garlic be prepared?
Two cloves of garlic should be mashed and combined with the beaten eggs.
What type of breadcrumbs are recommended?
One cup of breadcrumbs is used, preferably garlic and parsley flavored.
How long should I fry the calamari?
Fry the calamari for about 1 minute or until they turn golden brown.
What is the secret to a crispy texture?
Heating the oil to just below the smoking point and shaking off excess coating ensures a perfect crispy texture.
Can I prepare the calamari in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the coated calamari rings for up to a couple of hours before frying.
What should I serve with the calamari?
It is best served with fresh lemon wedges, garlic mayo, and marinara sauce.
How do I prevent the calamari from becoming soggy?
Draining the fried rings on paper towels and avoiding overcrowding the pan helps prevent sogginess.
What temperature should the oil be?
The oil should be heated to a temperature just below the smoking point.
Is salt used in this recipe?
Yes, salt is added to the breadcrumb mixture to taste.
What equipment is needed for frying?
You can use a deep fryer or a large skillet with enough oil for deep frying.
How should the egg mixture be used?
The cornmeal-coated rings are dipped into the egg-garlic mixture before the final breadcrumb coating.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this dish suitable as an appetizer?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as an appetizer and ideal for gatherings.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include calamari, appetizer, fried seafood, squid dish, garlic, crispy, seafood, party food, and mediterranean.
Can I use cornstarch instead of cornmeal?
Yes, either cornmeal or cornstarch can be used for the initial coating.
How do I apply the breadcrumbs?
Press the calamari rings lightly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even coating.
Why should I fry in batches?
Frying in batches avoids overcrowding, which keeps the oil temperature stable for better results.
Is there information on fiber or sugar?
No, fiber and sugar data are not provided for this recipe.
What is the recommended preparation for the squid?
The squid should be thoroughly cleaned and sliced into uniform rings.
When was this recipe added?
The recipe was inserted on October 6, 2024.
Does the recipe use fresh or powdered garlic?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of fresh mashed garlic.