Fried Calamari Recipe

1      Reviews by:    Cindy Williams   Fried Calamari Recipe is a fantastic seafood recipe using whole calamari cut into rings then marinated in milk, egg and fresh basil leaves before dusting with flour, paprika, sea salt and pepper before frying and serving with lemon wedges. Food Category:    Seafood Cuisine Origin:    Northeastern    Servings:4 Calories per Serving:474 Print Preview Rate This Recipe Prep Time:   30 Minutes Cook Time:   9 Minutes Total Time:   39 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound whole squid, cleaned
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Canola oil, for frying
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Smoked jalapeno aioli or favorite sauce

DIRECTIONS

• Rinse the squid under cool water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the body of the squid into 1/2-inch rings and trim the tentacles as necessary. Combine the milk, egg, and basil leaves in a bowl; mix with a fork until lightly beaten. Put the prepared calamari in the milk mixture and stick it in the refrigerator while getting everything else set up; it fries better if marinated and chilled for about 15 minutes.
• Pour about 2 inches of oil in a fryer or large, heavy pot and heat to 375 degrees F.
• Mix the flour and paprika in a pie dish or plate; season with a fair amount of salt and pepper. Toss the calamari in the seasoned flour to coat. Fry for 1 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and salt, to taste.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried calamari to paper towels to drain. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and dipping sauces.

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