Calamari Recipe
Buttermilk battered and fried, served with grilled lemon and marinara sauce.
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.
For the Calamari
For Serving
Method
Preparation of Calamari
- 1
Prepare the Calamari
Rinse the calamari rings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- 2
Marinate in Buttermilk
In a bowl, soak the calamari rings in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This will tenderize the calamari and enhance the flavor.
Battering and Frying
- 3
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.
- 4
Heat Oil
In a deep frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small amount of the batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the surface.
- 5
Coat the Calamari
Remove the calamari from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each ring in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
- 6
Fry the Calamari
Carefully place the battered calamari rings into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.


