16 Italian Calamari Fritti Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Italian cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes, and one of the most beloved dishes is calamari fritti. This crispy and succulent seafood appetizer is a staple in Italian restaurants and is also a favorite among home cooks. While the recipe may seem intimidating at first, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate this classic dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Italian calamari fritti recipe and how you can make it at home.
Main Ingredients: Squid, Milk, Large Egg, Canola Oil, All Purpose Flour
Calamari fritti is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. This dish features crispy, fried calamari rings that are served with a zesty marinara sauce for dipping. The key to achieving perfectly crispy calamari is to make sure the oil is hot enough and not to overcrowd the pan. Serve this delicious appetizer at your next dinner party or enjoy it as a tasty snack.
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How to Make Fried Calamari (Calamari Fritti)
Main Ingredients: Squid Rings, Peanut Oil, Medium Eggs, All Purpose
Learning how to make fried calamari at home is easier than you think. Start by cleaning and slicing the calamari into rings, then create a batter using flour, eggs, and seasonings. Dip the calamari in the batter and fry until golden brown. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty and satisfying meal.
No Italian feast is complete without a plate of delicious meatballs. These hearty and flavorful meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Serve them with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you want to take your meatballs to the next level, try making them extra large. These great big Italian meatballs are made with the same delicious ingredients as traditional meatballs, but in a larger size. They are perfect for filling up hungry bellies and are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Italian wedding soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. This soup features tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth. It gets its name from the Italian tradition of serving it at weddings, but it's also great for any cold day when you need a warm and satisfying meal.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
If you're following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on the delicious flavors of Italian cuisine. These keto stuffed peppers are filled with a tasty mixture of ground beef, Italian seasonings, and cheese. They are a great low-carb option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Braciole is a traditional Italian dish that features thin slices of beef rolled up and stuffed with a flavorful filling. This recipe uses a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and herbs for the filling and is cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Serve with your favorite pasta for a truly authentic Italian experience.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
These Italian almond paste cookies are a deliciously sweet and nutty treat that is perfect for any occasion. Made with almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, these cookies have a chewy texture and are bursting with almond flavor. They are a staple in many Italian households and are sure to become a favorite in yours too.
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Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
Nothing beats the taste of homemade meatballs, and this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Made with a mixture of ground beef, pork, and a variety of spices and seasonings, these meatballs are full of flavor and are perfect for serving with your favorite pasta or in a meatball sub.
This Italian pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any summer gathering. Made with a variety of colorful vegetables, pasta, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone. It's also a great option for a light and healthy lunch.
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Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
Ravioli is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. This recipe takes it to the next level by using a creamy and flavorful sauce made with cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings. Serve with your favorite ravioli for a delicious and indulgent meal that is sure to impress.
Casseroles are a staple in many Italian households, and for good reason. This Italian chicken casserole features tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce. It's a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Lentil soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold days. This Italian lentil soup is made with a variety of vegetables, lentils, and Italian seasonings for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve with crusty bread for a complete and delicious meal.
This Italian crescent casserole is a delicious and easy dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. It features a flavorful mixture of ground beef, Italian seasonings, and cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky crescent crust. Serve with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you're following a keto diet, you don't have to give up your love for meatballs. These keto Italian meatballs are made with a mixture of ground beef, pork, and almond flour for a low-carb and delicious option. Serve with zucchini noodles or your favorite keto-friendly pasta for a satisfying meal.
These Italian sausage-stuffed mushrooms are a tasty and easy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. The mushrooms are filled with a delicious mixture of Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and seasonings and then baked until golden and bubbly. They are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.
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Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy homemade meatballs, this recipe is for you. These quick and easy Italian meatballs are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasonings and can be on the table in under 30 minutes. Serve with your favorite pasta and sauce for a simple and delicious meal.
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Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
This sheet pan Italian chicken dinner is a complete meal that is cooked all on one pan for easy clean-up. It features tender chicken, potatoes, and vegetables, all seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and hassle-free meal.
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Hearty Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Onion, Garlic Cloves, Large Carrots, Celery
This hearty Italian beef and vegetable soup is the perfect meal for a cold day. It features tender chunks of beef, a variety of vegetables, and a flavorful broth that is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Serve with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Italian Pork Kabobs with Summer Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin Roast, Red Wine Vinegar, Kosher Salt, Red
These Italian pork kabobs are a delicious and easy meal that is perfect for summer. The pork is marinated in a mixture of Italian seasonings and then skewered with colorful summer vegetables. Grill them up for a tasty and healthy meal that everyone will love.
The Ingredients You Will Need
Fresh Calamari
To make the perfect calamari fritti, you will need fresh calamari. Make sure to buy calamari that is cleaned and has no skin or cartilage. You can either buy it whole and clean it yourself or ask your fishmonger to do it for you. Fresh calamari is crucial in achieving the right texture and flavor for this dish.
Flour and Cornstarch
The combination of flour and cornstarch creates a light and crispy coating for the calamari. Make sure to use all-purpose flour and cornstarch in equal parts for the best results.
Seasonings
The key to a delicious calamari fritti is in the seasoning. In addition to salt and black pepper, you can add other herbs and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning to add more depth of flavor.
Sunflower Oil
For frying, it is best to use sunflower oil as it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor that won't overpower the calamari.
The Steps to Make Italian Calamari Fritti
Clean and Cut the Calamari
If you bought whole calamari, clean it and cut it into rings or strips. Make sure to remove the skin and cartilage before cutting.
Prepare the Seasoned Flour Mixture
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, and seasonings together. Make sure to taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Coat the Calamari
Dip the calamari into the flour mixture, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
Fry the Calamari
In a large pot, heat the sunflower oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated calamari and fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the calamari from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
