Recipe: Fried Calamari

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of cleaned calamari rings and tentacles
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Dip cleaned calamari into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
3. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil to 375°F.
4. Carefully place the coated calamari into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Use a slotted spoon to remove the calamari from the oil and transfer it onto a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
6. Once all calamari has been fried, transfer it to a serving platter and garnish with lemon wedges.

Verdict:

Fried calamari is a deliciously crunchy and flavorful seafood dish that makes for the perfect appetizer or even main course. The mixture of spices in the coating adds a unique and tasty flavor to the fresh calamari, while the quick frying process ensures that it remains tender and juicy inside.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the fried calamari with a simple aioli or marinara sauce for dipping. Alternatively, use it as a topping for a salad or pasta dish for a complete meal. Enjoy!