Pan-Fried Calamari Rings

Submitted by spatchcock

"I threw this together tonight when another appy I planned to make fell through. SO fattening, but oh, my goodness, so worth it!! I served this with Mean Chef's Aioli (#54833)."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 7
• Yields: 4 appetizer servings

ingredients

• 453.59 g frozen squid rings, thawed under running water (I got mine at Trader Joe's)
• 236.59 ml flour (or less, if you think you can get away with it, just add more as you go if you start with less than)
• 4.92 ml cayenne pepper
• 4.92 ml kosher salt
• 3 eggs
• 170.09 g package panko breadcrumbs (japanese bread crumbs)
• oil, for frying

directions

1. Mix together flour, cayenne and salt in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Feel free to add other ingredients to the flour mix if you want--any herbs or zests (like lemon) would be great.
3. Put 3 eggs in a bowl (cracked, of course!) and beat lightly.
4. Place panko on a plate.
5. Start heating oil to med-high heat in medium-large pan on stovetop.
6. Dip a few thawed calamari rings into the flour.
7. Toss till coated.
8. Dip flour-coated rings into the egg mixture.
9. Toss flour- and egg-coated rings with Panko.
10. (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.
11. Don't crowd the pan!
12. Allowing enough space between rings will ensure that they all cook evenly.
13. Pan fry till panko is golden and calamari is tender.
14. Don't overcook---overcooked calamari tastes like rubber!
15. Serve with dipping sauces of your choice; I like Mean's Aioli (#54833).
16. Enjoy.
17. And then go for a run or take a nap.
18. (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).

Reviews

[Robyn W.]

This recipe sucks. First of all, that was way too much flour, it literally made the batter too doughy, yes I did use 3 large eggs. All it did was make the Pablo crumbs fall off in the frying pan.

 

[Terrie]

Great recipe, easy to follow. The only thing I always tweak is substituting wheat germ for bread crumbs (season to taste of course) ... more nutritions ... makes me feel less guilty about eating fried food LOL

 

[bkmartineau]

Very Good! First time I have cooked Squid at home and we were all very pleased with these (even the kids). I used Lemon Pepper for my spice added to the flour. I think I might add more next time as the taste was a little bland. These did cook to perfect crispness, will make them again!

 

[nnk067]

Wonderful recipe!. I enjoy the crisp crunch flavor of the panko breadcrumbs. I used the lemon pepper flavored panko & that adds a nice tang. Thanks. I'll continue to use this recipe as it was a big hit.

 

[adopt a greyhound]

Wonderful flavor and quick to do. I used Progresso Italian panko crumbs and it worked great. Loved the crunch on the crust. Served it with Recipe #374133 mixed with mayo. Also with Recipe #187731 and Recipe #369467.