Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsCafé NormandieCrispy Calamari Recipe

Crispy Calamari Recipe

Inspired by Café Normandie
Time30m
Serves4

Served with a spicy aioli.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Calamari

Method

Calamari Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Calamari

    Rinse the calamari rings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Breading

    In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well.

  3. 3

    Prepare the Egg Mixture

    In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined.

  4. 4

    Bread the Calamari

    Dip each calamari ring into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.

Frying the Calamari

  1. 5

    Heat the Oil

    In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).

  2. 6

    Fry the Calamari

    Carefully add the breaded calamari rings to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

  3. 7

    Drain the Calamari

    Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried calamari from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Spicy Aioli Preparation

  1. 8

    Make the Aioli

    In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, sriracha sauce, and lemon juice. Mix well until smooth.

  2. 9

    Season the Aioli

    Taste the aioli and add salt as needed to enhance the flavor.

Serving

  1. 10

    Serve the Calamari

    Arrange the crispy fried calamari on a serving platter and serve hot with the spicy aioli on the side for dipping.

More from Café Normandie