Calamares are the round crispy seafood that can be dipped in different varieties of sauces. They are made from squid that is chopped into smaller, bite-size pieces, rolled in a special batter and deep-fried.
What is Calamares?
The name calamares and the food itself was actually based on a Mediterranean dish called calamari. It is often added in salads and other healthy meals in the area, but as Filipinos made their own version of the dish they were able to give it its purpose of being a viand or snack. There are also innovative dishes wherein the crispy fried squid is added as an ingredient for other recipes such as pasta.
The squid itself is already a health ingredient, as it is packed with protein and several vitamins. It can also provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids which is one of the safest oils in existence.
Ingredients
Calamari - cleaned and tubes cut into rings
All purpose flour and Cornstarch - will both make the calamari crispy and crunchy shell
Salt, black pepper and garlic powder - adds flavor to the seafood. You may use other spices such as paprika and cayenne.
Egg - lightly beaten egg is needed for this recipe.
Vegetable oil - Make sure you have the right temperature before frying.
Filipinos love eating fried foods with a dip. It can either be plain ketchup, plain mayo, a combination of ketchup and mayo, soy sauce, and many others. Calamares usually has the basic taste of squid and the fried batter, so it is important to bring out the best out of the dish by dipping it into a tasty sauce.
This crispy and delicious Calamares recipe is so easy and simple. It's the perfect appetizer for parties or even family dinner. Who needs fish and chip shop if you can make this easily in your kitchen.
Recipe
Calamares Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 kg squid cleaned and cut into rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 medium egg lightly beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Using a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, black pepper and garlic powder. Mix and set aside. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg.
- In a pan over medium heat, pour the vegetable oil and wait until the oil is hot enough.
- Dredge each calamari ring into the egg, then immediately toss into the flour mixture to coat. When the oil is hot enough, carefully put the squid to the oil and fry until crisp and pale golden brown, about 1 minute per batch.
- Remove from the pan using a tong or a slotted spoon and place it to a drying rack to cool. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup, aioli or spicy vinegar.
Abe Magat says
Easy, practical & delicious! Many thnx. Ab