Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsZAZA Italian GastrobarFried Calamari Recipe

Fried Calamari Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Make Fried Calamari Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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For the Calamari

For the Dipping Sauce

Method

Preparing the Calamari

  1. 1

    Clean the Calamari

    If not pre-cleaned, rinse the calamari under cold water. Remove the head, beak, and internal organs. Cut the body into rings about 1/2 inch thick.

  2. 2

    Marinate

    In a bowl, pour the buttermilk over the calamari rings. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Coating

  1. 3

    Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

  2. 4

    Coat the Calamari

    Remove the marinated calamari from the refrigerator. Dredge each ring in the flour mixture until thoroughly coated.

Frying the Calamari

  1. 5

    Heat the Oil

    In a 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 coated calamari rings to the hot oil in small batches, frying for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Dipping Sauce

  1. 7

    Mix the Sauce

    In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using). Stir until smooth.

Serving

  1. 8

    Serve the Calamari

    Serve the fried calamari hot with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

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