• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Recipes by Nora
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Seafood

    Fried Calamari (Calamares)

    Published: Jan 16, 2023 by Nora Rey · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    3 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Fried Calamari (Calamares in Filipino) is a dish made from squid, usually served as an appetizer. The squid is cut into rings or strips, lightly battered, then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. One of the tricks to make tender calamari is to fry them briefly over high heat.

    You may also like Okoy or Ukoy (Shrimp and Vegetable Fritters), another Filipino appetizer.

    Fried Calamari on a plate
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients you'll need
    • Notes and substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Other seafood recipes you may like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients you'll need

    Individual ingredients for Fried Calamari
    Salt is not in the picture.

    Notes and substitutions

    • Squid: Choose small to medium-sized squid, as they tend to be sweeter and more tender. Slice them into thicker rings to allow the coating to brown without overcooking the calamari.
    • Milk: You can use whole milk or other milk products like buttermilk or yogurt diluted with water. The acidity tenderizes meat proteins, making calamari tender. It also removes unpleasant fishy odors and helps the coating adhere better.
    • Flour: A combination of all-purpose flour and rice flour makes the crunchiest, golden-brown coating that's not too heavy. You can use potato starch or cornstarch in place of rice flour.
    • Baking powder: It creates bubbles that result in a light and crispy coating. It makes a huge difference, so don't skip it.

    How to make this recipe

    If you bought whole fresh squid, your first step is to clean the squid. Frozen squid should be thawed in the fridge or under cold running water if you are pressed for time.

    (1)Slice the squid tubes into ¾-inch thick rings.

    slicing squid tubes into rings.

    (2)Combine about 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon kosher salt (use less for table salt) in a bowl. Soak the squid in salted milk. Cover and refrigerate for about an hour.

    marinating the squid in milk

    (3)Combine ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, ⅔ cup rice flour, and 2 teaspoons baking powder in a separate bowl. Drain the squid and transfer them to the flour mixture.

    Coat them evenly and shake off any excess. Allow the flour to fully hydrate as you heat the oil; this ensures a crunchy coating that doesn't fall off the calamari.

    squid with flour mixture in the bowl

    (4)Set a saucepan or wok over high heat, then add an inch of oil. Dip a wooden spoon handle or chopstick to check when it's hot and ready—it should steadily bubble around it. If using a thermometer, aim for 375° F (190° C).

    checking if the oil is hot with a chopstick

    (5)Fry the calamari in batches until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Stir them gently so they don't stick together. Don't crowd the pan that may cause the temperature to drop and make the calamari greasy and soggy.

    dropping the coated squid into the hot oil

    (6)Use a skimmer or slotted spoon to quickly remove the batch from the oil.

    taking out the cooked calamari out of the oil

    (7)Transfer them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

    draining the fried calamari on paper towels

    Serve Fried Calamari with lemon and dips like sweet chili sauce or spiced vinegar.

    Dipping fried calamari in sweet chili sauce.

    Frequently asked questions

    What does squid taste like?

    Squid has a firm texture and has little flavor on its own. Smaller sizes tend to be more tender, less chewy, and slightly sweeter. Because it has a neutral taste, it readily absorbs flavors from marinades or sauces.

    Are squid and calamari the same?

    Yes. Calamari is the Italian word and the culinary name for squid. It is often used to describe squid that has been prepared in a specific way. Some believe squid and calamari are associated with different cephalopod species, with calamari being smaller and more tender.

    Are squid and octopus the same?

    Squid and octopus (along with cuttlefish) are cephalopods with similar characteristics but are not the same. An octopus is a lot bigger with 8 tentacles. It has thicker flesh and tastes a lot like squid with a very mild seafood flavor. They both have a firm, chewy texture and can be rubbery unless properly cooked.

    How to make calamari tender?

    Smaller squid tends to be more tender and sweeter than larger ones. The key is to cook them briefly over high heat. Marinating can also reduce their chewiness. You can soak them in milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, or water with baking soda; the acidity helps tenderize and reduce their fishy smell.

    How to make calamari crispy?

    A combination of all-purpose flour, rice flour, and baking powder will produce a light, golden-brown crust that stays crisp. Deep-fry the calamari briefly at high temperature. Avoid crowding the pan to prevent the temperature from dropping, making them soggy and greasy.

    Other seafood recipes you may like

    • Soy and ginger fish on a plate
      Soy and Ginger Fish
    • Easy Paella in a pan
      Easy Paella
    • Tuna belly with tomato mango salsa
      Tuna Belly with Tomato-Mango Salsa
    • Crab fried rice served on a plate with lime wedges on the side
      Crab Fried Rice

    Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes.  Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

    Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

    📖 Recipe

    fried calamari

    Fried Calamari (Calamares)

    Tender calamari with a light, golden-brown crust that stays crisp.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Filipino, Italian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Marinate: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 563kcal
    Author: Nora Rey
    Cost: $4-$6

    Equipment

    • Dutch oven, saucepan, or wok

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound small or medium-sized squid (cleaned) cut into ¾-inch thick rings
    • 1 cup milk sub:buttermilk or yogurt diluted with water
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (use less for table salt)
    • ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
    • ⅔ cup rice flour sub:cornstarch or potato flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • Neutral oil for frying (peanut, avocado, or other vegetable oils)
    • Sweet chili sauce for dipping (optional)
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Combine milk and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
    • Soak the squid in salted milk. Cover and refrigerate for about an hour.
    • Combine all-purpose flour, rice flour, and baking powder in a separate bowl.
    • Drain the squid and transfer them to the flour mixture. Coat them evenly and shake off any excess.
    • Set a small, wide-mouthed pot over high heat, then add an inch of oil. Dip a wooden spoon handle or chopstick to check when it's hot and ready—it should steadily bubble around it. If using a thermometer, aim for 375° F (190° C).
    • Fry the calamari in batches until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Stir them gently so they don't stick together. Don't crowd the pan that may cause the temperature to drop and make the calamari greasy and soggy.
    • Use a skimmer or slotted spoon to quickly remove the batch from the oil.
    • Transfer them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 563kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 23gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 272mgSodium: 867mgPotassium: 414mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 136IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 235mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @recipesbynora or tag #RecipesByNora!

    More Seafood

    • Homemade Pad Thai on a plate
      Homemade Pad Thai
    • Thai green curry with shrimp over rice on a bowl
      Thai Green Curry with Shrimp
    • mackerel in olive oil on a serving plate
      Mackerel in Olive Oil
    • Salt and pepper shrimp on a plate
      Salt and Pepper Shrimp
    3 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Justin

      January 17, 2023 at 12:28 am

      5 stars
      I love, love, love fried calamari!!! This is the recipe i’ve been looking for. Thank you so much! It was the best!

      Reply
    2. jomelyn

      February 02, 2022 at 10:49 am

      This looks crispy and delicious! I will try this recipe soon.

      Reply

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Nora smiling at you

    Hi, I'm Nora! Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • grilled pork belly on a plate
      Inihaw na Liempo (Grilled Pork Belly)
    • Beef Stir Fry with Onions and Peppers in a wok
      Beef Stir Fry with Onions & Peppers
    • mackerel in olive oil on a serving plate
      Mackerel in Olive Oil
    • Beef Caldereta served on a plate
      Beef Caldereta
    • buko pandan salad served in a cup
      Buko Pandan Salad
    • Kamayan Feast
      Kamayan Feast: Bringing Family and Friends Together

    Seasonal Desserts

    • red velvet cupcakes
      Red Velvet Cupcakes
    • sliced loaf of banana bread
      Classic Banana Bread
    • Salted caramel pretzel brownies on a parchment paper.
      Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies From Brownie Mix
    • Brookie bars on a parchment paper
      Brookie Bars from Brownie Mix
    • S'mores brownies on a parchment paper
      S'mores Brownies From Brownie Mix
    • birthday brownies on a parchment paper
      Birthday Brownies From Brownie Mix

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Statement
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Image Use & Copyright
    • Privacy Policy

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 RECIPES BY NORA

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    3 shares