Squid rings, often called calamari, are a popular seafood snack loved for their crispy texture and mild flavor.

Whether you're serving them as a starter or a light meal, these golden-fried rings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Here's a simple recipe to make perfect squid rings at home!

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand.

Ingredients for Squid Rings:

500g fresh squid (cleaned and cut into rings)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 eggs (beaten)

1 cup breadcrumbs

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Lemon wedges for serving

Dipping sauce (optional: tartar sauce, aioli, or marinara)

2. Prepare the Squid

Start by cleaning your squid and cutting it into rings. If you're buying pre-cleaned squid, this step will be much easier. Pat the squid rings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which will help them crisp up better when frying.

Tip:

Make sure the squid is completely dry before coating it in flour to avoid a soggy texture.

3. Set Up Your Breading Station

Now it's time to set up your breading station. You'll need three bowls:

Bowl 1:

Mix the all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Bowl 2:

Beat the eggs until smooth.

Bowl 3:

Pour the breadcrumbs into a bowl, ready for the final coating.

4. Coat the Squid Rings

Take each squid ring and follow these steps to coat them perfectly:

Dredge the ring in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it's fully coated.

Dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.

Finally, press the ring into the breadcrumbs, ensuring it's fully covered for a crunchy finish.

5. Fry the Squid Rings

Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) to fry the squid rings to a golden brown.

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded squid rings in small batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the temperature of the oil.

6. Drain and Serve

After frying, use a slotted spoon to remove the squid rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Lightly season with salt while they’re still hot.

7. Garnish and Enjoy!

Serve your crispy squid rings with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce, such as tartar, aioli, or marinara sauce. The tangy lemon juice complements the flavors beautifully.

Squid rings are the perfect combination of crispy, golden batter and tender seafood. Whether you’re making them for a party appetizer or a light meal, this easy recipe will help you create a delicious dish that everyone will love! So, Lykkers, grab some fresh squid and start frying-your taste buds will thank you.