This spicy fried Squid or Calamari is my take on this crispy treat! I like to use both the Squid tubes and the tentacles. The Squid tubes are cut in rings and also also scored to make a Pineapple cut.

I used frozen Squid in this recipe, but if you want to use fresh and want to learn how to clean it, you can watch this video here

Typically this is served with a Marinara sauce but in my recipe, I like to serve it with a spicy Schezwan sauce – delish!

Spicy Fried Squid or Calamari

Ingredients
  

  • 500 gms Squid Tubes & Tentacles
  • 4 Lemon slices
  • 1/4 cup Parsley leaves

Marinade

  • 1 tbsp Chilli powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp crushed Pepper
  • 2 cups Buttermilk

Coating

  • 1 cup Flour
  • 1 tbsp Chilli powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsps Semolina
  • 1 tsp crushed Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Squid, cut the Tentacles, slice the Squid Tubes in rings & also slit the tube open and score the inside with a butter knife in a criss cross shape and then cut in smaller pieces
  • Marinate with the spices and leave for 10 – 15 mins
  • Add the Buttermilk and leave for 30 mins to 2 hours so tenderize the Squid
  • Using a colander, drain the Buttermilk, but leave enough on there to keep it moist
  • To make the coating, add all the ingredients together
  • Add some of the flour mixture to the bottom of a dish
  • Add the drained Squid and cover with more flour and keep some reserved
  • Do the same with the Lemon slices & Parsley
  • Heat some oil and start to fry the tentacles together for about 2 – 3 mins
  • Move them around very gently to give the breading a chance to cling and harden around the meat
  • Once done remove and drain on kitchen towel
  • Add the rest of the tentacles and rings
  • Dredge the squidit in some dry flour mixture if it’s too moist and drop it into the hot oil
  • Finally I’m going to add in the lemon and parsley … this is optional, it makes a great decoration and enhances the flavour of the Squid
  • To serve the pineapple cut Calamari, simply slice it.
  • The combination of the tentacles, rings, pineapple cut and lemon slices make for a very attractive fried Calamari platter

Other great Squid recipes