Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsPacific Coast GrillCrispy Cornmeal Calamari Recipe

Crispy Cornmeal Calamari Recipe

Time40m
Serves4

with lemon & chipotle dipping sauce

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Ingredients

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For the Calamari

For the Lemon & Chipotle Dipping Sauce

Method

Preparation of the Calamari

  1. 1

    Prepare the Calamari

    Rinse the cleaned calamari under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure they are crispy when fried.

  2. 2

    Setup the Breading Station

    In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, place the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, pour the cornmeal.

  3. 3

    Bread the Calamari

    Dredge each piece of calamari in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat with cornmeal. Set aside on a plate.

Frying the Calamari

  1. 4

    Heat the Oil

    In a large, deep skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).

  2. 5

    Fry the Calamari

    Carefully add the breaded calamari to the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

  3. 6

    Serve

    Serve the crispy calamari immediately, garnished with lemon wedges.

Preparation of the Dipping Sauce

  1. 7

    Mix the Sauce Ingredients

    In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced chipotle in adobo, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir until well blended.

  2. 8

    Season the Sauce

    Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well.

  3. 9

    Serve the Dipping Sauce

    Transfer the dipping sauce to a serving bowl and serve alongside the crispy calamari.

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