spanish calamari recipe.

 

Spanish Fried Calamari Recipe (Calamares Fritos)

Crispy Spanish fried calamari made with tender squid rings coated in golden batter — the perfect tapas dish served with lemon wedges and aioli.

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🧄 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh squid (cleaned and sliced into rings)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for Spanish flavor)
• Oil for deep frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Aioli or garlic mayonnaise, for dipping

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🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Squid:

   • Clean and slice the squid into ½-inch rings.
   • Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

2. Prepare the Coating:

   • In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

3. Heat the Oil:

   • Pour oil into a deep pan and heat to 350°F (175°C).

4. Coat and Fry:

   • Dredge squid rings in the flour mixture until well coated.
   • Shake off excess flour.
   • Fry in small batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.

5. Drain and Serve:

   • Remove calamari and drain on paper towels.
   • Serve immediately with lemon wedges and aioli.

💡 Tip: Avoid over-frying — it makes calamari tough instead of tender.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a tapas appetizer with chilled sangria or Spanish beer.
• Add a side of Patatas Bravas or Pan con Tomate for a full Spanish meal.
• Drizzle lightly with fresh lemon juice just before serving.

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🧊 Storage Tips

• Best enjoyed freshly fried.
• To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until crisp again.
• Not recommended for freezing — the texture may become chewy.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: What is Calamares Fritos?
It’s a traditional Spanish tapas dish made of battered and fried squid rings — crispy outside, tender inside.

Q2: Can I use frozen squid?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before coating and frying.

Q3: What oil is best for frying calamari?
Use a neutral, high-smoke-point oil such as sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil.

Q4: How do I keep calamari tender?
Fry briefly at high heat — no more than 2 minutes per batch. Over-cooking makes it rubbery.

Q5: What can I serve with Spanish calamari?
Aioli, marinara, or lemon-garlic mayo are classic dipping sauces. Pair with Spanish salad or cold white wine.

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1. Patatas Bravas Recipe – Spicy potatoes with creamy aioli.
2. Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) – Juicy shrimp sautéed in olive oil.
3. Gazpacho Recipe – Chilled tomato soup perfect for tapas nights.
4. Spanish Empanadas Recipe – Savory pastry filled with meat or tuna.
5. Pisto Manchego Recipe – Traditional Spanish vegetable stew.