Crackling Squid Recipe: The Sea’s Tastiest Treasure

Seafood lovers rejoice as this crispy squid recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds.

Golden-brown rings of tender squid shine with a perfectly crunchy exterior that’ll make mouths water.

The secret lies in a delicate blend of seasonings and expert frying technique that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that breaks through to moist, delectable seafood beneath the crisp coating.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

Serve these irresistible squid rings as an appetizer or main course, and watch them disappear in moments.

Get ready to impress with a seafood classic that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 3

What You Need for Crispy Fried Squid

• Squid: Fresh, tender squid works best; look for clean, bright-colored seafood without strong fishy odors; choose medium-sized squid for even cooking and perfect crispiness.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Creates ultra-crispy exterior with light, delicate texture; choose fine-milled varieties for smoother coating.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and helps batter adhere to squid; select fresh, room-temperature eggs for better mixing.
• Salt, White Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile with subtle seasoning; use high-quality, finely ground spices.

• Scallions, Red Chilies: Adds vibrant color, fresh zing, and subtle heat; select bright, firm scallions and bright red chilies for maximum flavor punch.
• Cooking Oil: Provides perfect heat conductivity for quick stir-frying; choose neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable or canola.

Tool to Fry Squid to Golden Goodness

• Large Bowl: For mixing frying batter and coating squid evenly.
• Wok or Frying Pan: Perfect for deep-frying squid to golden crispy perfection.
• Spatula: Essential for stirring and separating squid during frying.
• Strainer or Slotted Spoon: Helps remove squid from hot oil and drain excess oil.
• Skillet: Used for final stir-frying with scallions and red chilies.
• Paper Towels: Great for patting squid dry and draining fried squid.
• Knife: Needed for cutting scallions and red chilies.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for batter and seasoning.
• Thermometer (optional): Helps monitor oil temperature for perfect frying.

How to Cook Calamari Rings or Pieces

• Squid Preparation

Clean the seafood under cool running water and gently dry with soft paper towels to remove moisture.

• Batter Coating

Create a light, airy batter and completely envelop the squid pieces, ensuring each morsel is evenly covered.

• Frying Process

Warm oil in a deep pan until it reaches a perfect golden temperature. Carefully lower the battered squid into the bubbling oil, spreading them out to prevent sticking.

• Crispy Transformation

Cook the squid until they turn a beautiful golden color with a delightful crunch. Remove from oil and let excess grease drip away on absorbent towels.

• Flavor Explosion

In a hot skillet, quickly sauté vibrant green scallions and spicy red chilies. Toss the crispy squid back into the pan, adding a sprinkle of seasoning for an extra flavor kick. Serve immediately while still piping hot.

Tips for Tenderness, Seasoning & Crispiness

• Replace whole squid with squid rings or scored pieces for different textures and faster cooking times.
• Adjust red chili quantity to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery hot, keeping the delicious flavor profile intact.
• Soak squid in buttermilk or yogurt for 30 minutes before battering to enhance tenderness and create extra-crispy exterior.
• Experiment with cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, or rice flour instead of standard batter for unique crunchiness and regional flavor variations.
• Serve with zesty options like garlic aioli, sweet chili sauce, or tangy lemon-herb dressing to complement the squid's rich taste.

Serving Fried Squid with Dips or Rice

• Seafood Platter Paradise: Arrange crispy squid alongside lemon wedges and fresh herb garnishes for a stunning coastal-inspired presentation.
• Appetizer Adventure: Serve these golden bites on small wooden boards with zesty dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy sriracha mayo for a crowd-pleasing starter.
• Salad Companion: Scatter the crunchy squid pieces over a fresh mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light citrus vinaigrette for a protein-packed meal upgrade.
• Beer Garden Style: Pair the crispy squid with cold craft beer or a crisp white wine, creating a perfect casual dining experience that brings Mediterranean street food vibes to your table.

Fridge Tips for Crispy Storage

• Quick Chill Zone: Store leftover crispy squid in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for maximum 2 days to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold squid by placing pieces on a baking sheet and warming in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore original crunchiness.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap, storing up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to retain texture.
• Smart Meal Prep Tip: Prepare frying batter and clean squid ahead of time, storing separately in sealed containers within the refrigerator for convenient cooking during busy weekdays.

Tantalizing Squid Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering crispy squid promises a Mediterranean culinary adventure with golden-brown delights. Seafood enthusiasts will savor delicate tentacles and rings complemented by zesty herbs that make palates dance.

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Ingredients

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• 10 oz (300 g) cleaned squid tubes, cut into rings
• ½ tbsp oil for stir-frying
• Oil for deep frying
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup corn starch
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 egg white
• ½ cup water
• 2 tbsps chopped scallions
• 1 tsp chopped red chilies
• ½ tsp salt or to taste
• ½ tsp ground white pepper
• Pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Rinse the squid under cool water, pat dry thoroughly with paper towels, ensuring complete moisture removal.
2. Batter Creation: Whisk batter ingredients until smooth and lump-free, completely submerging squid pieces to achieve uniform coating.
3. Frying Process: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350F, gently lower battered squid, spreading pieces to prevent sticking. Fry until achieving a rich golden-brown crispness, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
4. Aromatic Enhancement: In a hot skillet, quickly sauté scallions and chilies to release their intense flavors. Return crispy squid to the pan, tossing rapidly with seasonings to create a harmonious flavor profile.
5. Serving: Immediately plate the squid, presenting the dish while maintaining optimal temperature and textural integrity. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or lime wedges for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Rinse Thoroughly: Eliminate sand, grit, and impurities by washing squid under cold water, patting completely dry to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Batter Consistency Matters: Mix dry and wet ingredients until silky smooth, avoiding lumps that could compromise the crispy coating’s texture.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain steady 350°F heat to guarantee golden-brown exterior without absorbing excess oil or becoming greasy.
• Quick Tossing Technique: Work rapidly when adding seasonings to preserve crispiness and prevent soggy texture, ensuring each piece remains perfectly crunchy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg