Pan Fried Calamari Rings Recipes

PAN-FRIED CALAMARI RINGS

Steps:

• Mix together flour, cayenne and salt in a medium-sized bowl.
• Feel free to add other ingredients to the flour mix if you want--any herbs or zests (like lemon) would be great.
• Put 3 eggs in a bowl (cracked, of course!) and beat lightly.
• Place panko on a plate.
• Start heating oil to med-high heat in medium-large pan on stovetop.
• Dip a few thawed calamari rings into the flour.
• Toss till coated.
• Dip flour-coated rings into the egg mixture.
• Toss flour- and egg-coated rings with Panko.
• (An easy way to do this is to have the panko in a plastic ziploc bag--and toss.) Shake off excess panko and put in preheated oil on stovetop.
• Don't crowd the pan!
• Allowing enough space between rings will ensure that they all cook evenly.
• Pan fry till panko is golden and calamari is tender.
• Don't overcook---overcooked calamari tastes like rubber!
• Serve with dipping sauces of your choice; I like Mean's Aioli (#54833).
• Enjoy.
• And then go for a run or take a nap.
• (This makes 4 servings for an appetizer, if you are looking for a substantial appy, or maybe 2-3 servings for a full meal. This is a FILLING dish).

FRIED CALAMARI

Steps:

• Pour enough oil into a heavy large saucepan to reach the depth of 3 inches. Heat over medium heat to 350 degrees F. Mix the flour, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Working in small batches, toss the squid into the flour mixture to coat. Carefully add the squid to the oil and fry until crisp and very pale golden, about 1 minute per batch. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the fried calamari to a paper-towel lined plate to drain.
• Place the fried calamari and lemon wedges on a clean plate. Sprinkle with salt. Serve with the marinara sauce.
• In a large casserole pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add celery and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and bay leaves and simmer uncovered on low heat for 1 hour or until thick. Remove bay leaves and check for seasoning. If sauce still tastes acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time to round out the flavors.
• Add 1/2 the tomato sauce into the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Continue with remaining tomato sauce.
• If not using all the sauce, allow it to cool completely and pour 1 to 2 cup portions into freezer plastic bags. This will freeze up to 6 months.

PANKO FRIED CALAMARI

Steps:

• Preheat the deep fryer to 375 degrees F.
• Whisk the egg whites and flour together until smooth. Dip the calamari rings into the egg white batter. Toss calamari rings in the panko, 1 piece at a time.
• In a deep fryer set at high temperature, fry the panko-coated calamari until golden, about 2 minutes. Season with kosher salt and serve immediately.
• Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the lotus root for 20 seconds. Refresh in cold water.
• Add lotus root, julienned papaya, orange juice, Thai chile and kosher salt. Mix well.
• Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
• Yield: 2 cups

CRISPY CALAMARI RINGS

Steps:

• Preheat oil to 370 degrees F (185 degrees C) in a deep fryer, deep frying pan, or pot.
• Coat squid with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, basil, parsley, paprika, cayenne, and white pepper in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly. Add flour and toss to dredge.
• Fry squid in the hot oil, in batches if needed, until light brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Do not overcook, or squid will be tough and chewy. Drain on paper towels. Serve with lemon wedges and marinara sauce.

DEEP-FRIED CALAMARI RINGS

Steps:

• Stir flour, 2 teaspoons salt, paprika, and black pepper together in a shallow bowl.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Press calamari rings into the flour mixture until evenly coated, shaking off excess flour.
• Working in batches, fry calamari rings in the hot oil until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer cooked calamari to a paper towel-lined plate; sprinkle with salt. Serve calamari with cocktail and lemon wedges.

CALAMARI IN BALSAMIC REDUCTION

Steps:

• Bring a saucepan 3/4 full of water to a boil.
• Add the squid and cook until just firm (about 2-3 minutes)-do not overcook.
• Drain and rinse immediately under cold running water.
• Drain well and set aside.
• In a saucepan over low heat, simmer the balsamic vinegar (stirring occasionally) until it becomes thick and syrupy.
• It should reduce to about 1/2 cup or maybe less.
• Toss the calamari with the balsamic reduction and serve warm.