16 Calamari Batter Recipe South Africa Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
When it comes to South African cuisine, one dish that stands out is calamari. This versatile seafood dish can be enjoyed in various ways, but one of the most popular is fried calamari. The key to achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful calamari lies in the batter used. In this article, we will share a traditional calamari batter recipe that is popular in South Africa and will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise Low Fat, Sriracha, Calamari, Buttermilk Low
Fried calamari is a classic favorite, and it's even better when paired with a spicy mayonnaise sauce. The crispy texture of the calamari and the creamy kick of the mayonnaise make for a perfect combination. This dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering or weeknight dinner.
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Crispy Calamari with Pesto Mayonnaise
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Dijon
If you're looking for a unique twist on fried calamari, try serving it with a homemade pesto mayonnaise. The fresh flavors of the basil and garlic in the pesto add a burst of flavor to the dish. Plus, the vibrant green color will make for a beautiful presentation.
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Fried Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Buttermilk, Flour, Paprika, Salt, Black
Of course, you can't go wrong with the classic fried calamari recipe. The key to achieving the perfect crispy texture is to make sure the oil is hot enough and to fry the calamari in small batches. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and some marinara sauce for dipping.
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Sautéed Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Tentacles, Olive Oil, Minced Garlic, Kosher
If you're looking for a healthier option, try sautéing the calamari instead of frying it. This method still results in a deliciously tender calamari, but with less oil and calories. You can season it with your favorite herbs and spices, such as garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
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Calamari a La Plancha
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Tentacles, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Chopped
For a Spanish-inspired dish, try making calamari a la plancha. This method involves grilling the calamari on a hot griddle or skillet. The high heat gives the calamari a beautiful char while keeping it tender and juicy on the inside. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt.
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BAKED CALAMARI
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Egg, Almond Flour, Seasoning, Lemon
If you want to skip the frying or sautéing altogether, try baking your calamari. This method is a healthier alternative and allows you to add different flavors and ingredients to the dish. For example, you can stuff the calamari with a delicious breadcrumb and herb mixture before baking it in the oven.
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Crispy Fried Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Kosher Salt, 2 Milk, All Purpose Flour
For an extra crispy calamari, try coating it in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and breadcrumbs before frying. This will give the calamari a delicious crunch and a golden brown color. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or aioli.
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Fried Calamari with Romesco
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Milk, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Salt
Romesco is a Spanish sauce made with roasted red peppers, almonds, and garlic. When paired with fried calamari, it adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dish. Simply blend the ingredients together in a food processor and serve as a dipping sauce for the calamari.
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Grilled Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Olive Oil, Red Chilli, Garlic, Lemon, Salt
If you're firing up the grill, don't forget to throw on some calamari. Grilling the calamari adds a smoky flavor to the dish and gives it a nice char. It's also a great way to cook calamari for a crowd, as you can easily grill large quantities at once.
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Lemon Pepper Grilled Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Fresh Lemon Juice, Cracked Pepper, Fresh
For a simple yet flavorful grilled calamari, try using a lemon pepper seasoning. The tangy lemon and spicy pepper add a delicious kick to the dish. Plus, it's a versatile seasoning that can also be used on other types of seafood.
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Air Fryer Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Buttermilk, All Purpose Flour, Large Egg
If you have an air fryer, try making calamari in it for a healthier option. The air fryer will still give the calamari a crispy texture without the need for a lot of oil. You can also experiment with different seasonings and sauces to customize the dish to your liking.
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Neapolitan-Style Fried Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, All Purpose Flour, Canola Oil, Salt, Pepper
For an Italian twist on fried calamari, try making it Neapolitan-style. This involves tossing the fried calamari in a mixture of garlic, olive oil, and parsley after it's cooked. The flavors will infuse into the calamari and give it a delicious kick.
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Seafood Pasta with Mussels & Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Mussels, Cloves, Shallots, Parsley, Linguine
If you're a fan of seafood, try adding calamari to your next pasta dish. It pairs well with mussels and can be added to a variety of pasta sauces, such as marinara, alfredo, or pesto. You can also add other seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, for a delicious seafood medley.
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Calamari in Umido - Calamari Tomato Sauce pressure...
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Chopped Tomatoes, White Wine, Garlic
Calamari in umido is a traditional Italian dish that involves cooking calamari in a rich tomato sauce. The pressure cooker method saves time and still results in a tender and flavorful calamari. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
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Simple Calamari for Calamari a la Plancha
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Garlic, Chilli Flakes
If you're short on time but still want to make a delicious calamari dish, try this simple recipe for calamari a la plancha. All you need is calamari, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley. It's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
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Sauteed Calamari with Tomato Caper Salsa
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley
For a light and refreshing dish, try sautéing calamari and serving it with a tomato caper salsa. The tangy and briny flavors of the salsa pair perfectly with the tender calamari. It's a great dish for warmer weather and is packed with vitamins and nutrients.
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Sriracha & Honey Tossed Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Club Soda, Flour, Salt, Honey, Sriracha, Red
If you like a little heat in your food, try tossing your fried calamari in a mixture of sriracha and honey. The sweet and spicy flavors will add a delicious twist to the dish. Serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
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Lemon Calamari Salad
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Red Onion, Kalamata Olives, Celery, Red
For a light and refreshing option, try making a lemon calamari salad. Simply toss cooked calamari with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a homemade lemon dressing. It's a great dish for a summertime lunch or a light dinner.
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Satueed Calamari with Tomato Caper Salsa
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley
This is another variation of the sautéed calamari with tomato caper salsa dish. For a more robust and filling meal, serve the calamari over a bed of rice or quinoa. The grains will soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce and make for a satisfying dish.
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Calamari Salad
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Olive Oil, Red Onion
Another delicious salad option is a calamari salad with a citrus vinaigrette. The tartness of the citrus pairs well with the tender calamari and adds a burst of flavor. You can also add in other vegetables, such as bell peppers or avocado, for added texture and nutrients.
The Importance of a Good Batter
When it comes to fried calamari, the batter is just as important as the quality of the squid itself. A good batter should be light, crispy, and flavorful, enhancing the natural taste of the calamari without overpowering it. It should also have the perfect balance of ingredients to ensure that the calamari is not greasy or too heavy.
The Key Ingredients
The traditional South African calamari batter recipe calls for a few key ingredients that are easily accessible and affordable. The main ingredient is corn flour, also known as maize meal, which gives the batter a light and crispy texture. All-purpose flour is also used to add structure to the batter. For added flavor, paprika and garlic powder are essential. These ingredients not only add a subtle spice to the batter but also enhance the flavor of the calamari.
The Technique
To achieve the perfect batter for your calamari, it is important to follow the proper technique. The key is to keep the batter cold and to avoid overmixing. This ensures that the batter stays light and airy, resulting in crispy calamari. Before adding the squid to the batter, make sure it is well drained and patted dry to prevent the batter from becoming soggy.
Other Tips and Tricks
To make your calamari even more flavorful, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for a little kick. Another tip is to let the batter rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using it. This will allow the flavors to develop and the batter to become even lighter.
Bring a Taste of South Africa to Your Table
With this traditional calamari batter recipe, you can easily recreate a taste of South Africa in your own kitchen. Serve it as an appetizer or a main dish, and pair it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dipping sauce of your choice. The crispy and flavorful calamari will surely be a hit with your family and friends.
Now that you have the perfect calamari batter recipe, it's time to get cooking! Don't forget to pair it with some traditional South African sides, such as chakalaka or mielie pap, for a complete and authentic experience. Enjoy!
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