Harper Alexander

Fried Squid

Calamari Fritti

banner
Preparation info
  • Yield:

    4

    servings
    • Difficulty

      Easy

    • Ready in

      30 min

Appears in
The Italian Family Kitchen: Authentic Recipes That Celebrate Homestyle Italian Cooking
The Italian Family Kitchen

By Eva Santaguida and Harper Alexander

Published 2024

  • About

Fried calamari is a beloved appetizer around the world, but Italians are often left scratching their heads at the thick batters and heavy dipping sauces that too often mask the beautiful simplicity of this dish. The secret to incredible calamari fritti is a light flour breading and the simplest seafood condiment of all: lemon juice.

Ingredients

  • About 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • Extra-virgin olive or vegetable oil

Method

  1. Place the flour on a large plate or in a shallow bowl.
  2. Fill a large, deep pan with 3 inches (7.5 cm) of oil and bring up to frying temperature (see How to Fry at Home).
  3. Working in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan, take a large handful of squid pieces and thoroughly dredge them in the flour so that each piece i