Recipes: Homemade Fried Calamari

Fun fact about me: I love seafood. I’d eat it everyday if I could. So, despite the fact that summer’s officially come to an end, I’ll still take and enjoy it any day of the week, thank you very much. And of course, growing up and currently residing in The Ocean State gives me direct access to the best seafood in all of America. I grew up eating seafood and now, as an adult, often cook it at home. But the one thing I never tried to make on my own until this year? Fried calamari.

Turns out, making homemade fried calamari is a lot easier than it looks. What’s more, you don’t need a special air fryer in order to make it, either. This recipe is so simple and delivers 5-star, restaurant-quality fried calamari every time. I love having this as an appetizer before my main course, and it never disappoints. Keep on reading to learn how to make homemade fried calamari, and enjoy this delicious appetizer straight from your kitchen.

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Homemade fried calamari:

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Ingredients:

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WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 lb squid (can be fresh or frozen)
• 2.5 – 3 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup dairy-free soy cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil or 1 egg
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp – 1 tbsp garlic salt (personal preference; the more the better for me)
• ½ cup – 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup banana peppers
• 1 – 2 gluten-free tortilla wraps (I like the brand Mission)

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Instructions:

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PREP:

1. If squid is fresh and not frozen: Properly clean, then slice into rings.
2. If squid is frozen: De-thaw, then slice into rings.

HOW-TO:

1. In a large pot on stovetop, heat vegetable oil to 300° F.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, add cream, olive oil/egg, 1 tsp salt and whisk well, then add in calamari rings and let soak for 15-30 minutes.
3. In a second medium-sized bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic salt, and 1 tsp salt. Move calamari rings from first bowl into this bowl and mix around until fully coated. Set aside and let sit for 3-5 minutes.
4. Roll up 1-2 tortilla wraps like a carpet and cut into thick rings, mimicking the look of calamari rings.
5. Add bread crumbs into a third bowl or into the second bowl, then mix around well.
6. Drop calamari rings into oil and boil until golden brown, then repeat with banana peppers and tortilla wrap slices.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.