Fried Squid rings/ Crispy Fried Squid Rings (Calamari Fritters)

Crispy Fried Squid Rings/ Calamari Fritters are great appetizers and an amazing seafood snack. Crunchy and perfectly coated Fried Squid Rings are quite simple to make at home. Fried Squid Rings or fried Calamari is a Mediterranean fare and a widely acclaimed seafood dish, all over the world. Seasoned and batter coated Squid rings are deep fried to a golden brown, to make deliciously crunchy snacks. These Calamari fritters are crispy on the outside and soft inside. You may also like my Dynamite shrimp, KFC style fried chicken, Thattukada style chicken fry, chicken 65, Lollipop Chicken, Pepper chicken, Crispy Coconut Prawns, Beef oats strips, Fish Fingers, Fish Cutlets, etc which are also great starters. For vegetarian starters, try my veg. spring roll, Chicken Popcorn, crispy Cones, Crispy Pakoras, Paneer fingers, Masala peanuts, Potato croquettes, Corn chaat, Soya cutlets etc.

Light, Tender and crisp, this is an amazing starter for your guests, all you need is some sweet chili sauce or Garlic Mayo dip. Squid/ Calamari or Kanava/ Koonthal, as it is popularly known in Kerala, is like a staple food for all Calamari lovers and they enjoy all forms of Squid like Fried Squid Rings, grilled Squid, Stuffed Calamari, or the Kerala style Squid Roast. For frying, simple seasoning like salt and pepper alone brings amazing flavors, or you can experiment with herbs/ Oregano/ Rosemary or spices like red chili powder or Paprika, to lift up the flavors, Have it plain or with some fresh and creamy Garlic Mayonnaise, Lebanese Garlic Sauce, Hummus dip or tartar dip.

The batter is very important, so follow the steps for a perfectly coated and crispy batter. Frying is another factor where you need to be careful. The right temperature would be medium high heat, not too high, so as not to burn the covering or not too low to absorb oil and become greasy. Squid should be fried only for two to three minutes to retain the tenderness or it will become tough/ rubberish. Tentacles are best avoided as they tend to be limp; instead use the rings for better, crispier results. So, without further ado, here is the recipe for Crispy fried Squid rings / Calamari Fritters to tickle your tentacles!! Enjoy!

Preparation time: less than 30 minutes

Serves : 4

Ingredients:

Method:

Clean, peel and wash the squids. Remove the tentacles. Check this link for more helpful steps http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-and-Prepare-a-Squid-to-Make-Calamari. Cut into medium sized rings. Drain and keep aside in a tissue paper to dry. Spread the Corn flour in a plate. Beat an egg with little salt and keep aside. Tear the bread slices and put in a blender along with Pepper, Chili or Paprika powder, Maida, with a pinch of Oregano or Garlic Powder to make bread crumbs batter.

Pat dry and coat the squid rings in the Corn flour, shake the excess flour and dip in the egg and then coat with bread crumbs.

Heat oil in a wok and when it is hot, reduce the flame to medium high heat and deep fry the squids taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding results in squid releasing water, and lowering the temperature. If the temperature is low, the batter absorbs oil and tend to be greasy.

Just fry for two to three minutes or it will make the squid tough or rubberish. Just fry to a golden brown and drain on a tissue. Serve with Garlic Mayo dip/ Sweet Chili sauce/ Tomato ketch up or just enjoy it plain with just a squeeze of lemon.

Tips:

• For cleaning tips check http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-and-Prepare-a-Squid-to-Make-Calamari
• Avoid tentacles as they turn clumpy after frying.
• Temperature is important. Medium High Heat is recommended for perfect fried squid.
• For crispy results, do not overcrowd the pan, while frying, as the squid will release water, thereby lowering the temperature.
• If you are serving as starters, fry just before serving.
• Garlic Mayonnaise dip or a squeeze of lemon is the best combination with Fried Squid rings. You may also try sweet chili sauce or Tomato Ketch-up.

Prepare this crispy, tender Fried Squid Rings/ Calamari fritters and enjoy with friends and family. I would like to hear from you, how well it came out for you. Please share or put in your comments to motivate me to bring you more delicious and wonderful homemade recipes. God Bless!!