Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsLa Food MarketaThe Calamari Recipe

The Calamari Recipe

Inspired by La Food Marketa
Time40m
Serves4

the best chimichurri, bravas sauce, smokey citrus salt, pickled pepper, lime, cotija cheese, taco spice, chile lime mayo, tortilla crumble

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Ingredients

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THE CALAMARI

Method

THE CALAMARI

  1. 1

    Prep and marinade

    Rinse calamari rings and pat dry thoroughly. Pat dry to ensure crispy coating. In a bowl, mix flour, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). In a separate bowl whisk egg with ¼ cup water.

  2. 2

    Coating

    Dust calamari rings lightly in the seasoned flour mixture, tapping off excess. Dip into the egg wash, then dredge again in the flour mixture for a double-coating. Let rest on a rack for 5 minutes to set the crust.

  3. 3

    Frying

    Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry calamari in batches 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

  4. 4

    Sauce prep

    In small bowls, portion chimichurri, bravas sauce, chile lime mayo, pickled pepper slices, lime juice, and lime zest. Stir cotija cheese with tortilla crumble and a pinch of salt for a crumbled topping.

  5. 5

    Assemble

    Toss fried calamari with half of the chimichurri and bravas sauce to coat lightly. Plate with a drizzle of remaining chimichurri and bravas sauce over the top. Scatter lime zest, cotija-tortilla crumble topping, and pickled peppers. Finish with a light drizzle of chile lime mayo and a final squeeze of lime juice.

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