Fried Calamari with Puttanesca Dipping Sauce Recipe

Fried calamari is a beloved Italian seafood dish. It consists of tender squid rings in a crunchy coating. This recipe pairs the calamari with a tasty puttanesca sauce. The sauce blends tomatoes, capers, olives, and savory flavors. It adds a tangy and salty twist to the calamari.

Key Takeaways:

• Fried calamari is a delicious Italian seafood dish.
• The calamari is coated in a crispy batter and served with a tangy puttanesca dipping sauce.
• The puttanesca sauce is made with tomatoes, capers, olives, and other savory ingredients.
• This recipe is a great way to enjoy calamari as an appetizer or seafood dish.
• Try different calamari recipes to explore the versatility of this Italian delicacy.

Ingredients

To make this delicious calamari appetizer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Fresh calamari
• Milk
• Lemon juice
• Garlic hot sauce
• Flour
• Sweet paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the puttanesca dipping sauce, gather these ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Shallot
• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Anchovy fillets
• Black olives
• Capers
• Tomatoes
• Chile flakes
• Parsley
• Lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper

Having these items lets you whip up a tasty Italian seafood treat. Squid rings paired with a zesty sauce will delight your taste buds. Now, let’s get into how to make it.

Directions

Gathered all the ingredients? Great, let’s begin making this tasty Mediterranean dish of fried calamari with puttanesca sauce. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Clean and prepare the calamari: Start by cleaning the squid. Take out the insides and the beak, and peel the skin off. Rinse the calamari in cold water and dry them with a paper towel. Then, cut them into 1/2 inch thick rings. Keep them aside while you make the batter and sauce.
2. Make the batter: Mix flour, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper in a big bowl. Add salt and black pepper as you like. In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, lemon juice, and some dashes of hot sauce. Slowly add this mix to the flour, stirring until smooth.
3. Prepare the puttanesca sauce: Warm olive oil in a skillet on medium. Add minced shallot and garlic and cook until they’re soft and smell good. Mix in tomato paste, anchovy fillets, black olives, and capers. Cook for 2 minutes, then add diced tomatoes, chili flakes, and a bit of salt. Let it simmer for 15 minutes so the flavors mix. Add chopped parsley and lemon zest before you’re ready to serve.
4. Fry the calamari: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C). Dip calamari rings in the batter to coat them, then fry in the oil. Cook them in small batches for about 2 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to take them out and put them on a paper towel to drain.
5. Serve and enjoy: Put the calamari on a serving plate. Add some freshly chopped parsley. Serve it with the puttanesca sauce for dipping. This dish is a perfect start to a Mediterranean meal. Your guests will love the combination of crispy calamari and the rich, tangy sauce.

Ready to cook this enticing calamari appetizer with its delicious seafood sauce? Just follow these simple instructions. Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean with this wonderful recipe for fried calamari and puttanesca sauce.

Tips for Frying Calamari

Preparing Italian fried calamari requires certain tips for perfect results. These recommendations will make your calamari crispy and delicious. Let’s elevate your calamari cooking skills:

1. Don’t overcook the calamari: Keeping calamari tender is key to avoiding a rubbery texture. Aim for a quick, 2-minute fry for the best texture and a golden look.
2. Properly heat the oil: For evenly cooked calamari, heat the oil to the right temperature. Using a thermometer, ensure it’s around 375°F (190°C) before frying.
3. Use a dry batter: Dry the squid rings before coating them. Removing moisture ensures the batter sticks better, leading to crispier calamari.
4. Be cautious with the batter ingredients: The batter usually has flour, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Use spices wisely to enhance, not overpower, the calamari’s taste.
5. Drain excess oil: After frying, place calamari on a paper towel or wire rack to drain oil. This makes the calamari lighter and crispier.

Frying Italian calamari to perfection is easy with these tips. You’ll create a dish that’s crispy outside and tender inside. Serve with a tasty dipping sauce for a dish that will impress everyone.

Personal Experience with the Recipe

I love good food, and calamari appetizers are a favorite of mine. There’s something special about the crispy batter and tender squid inside.

Recently, I tried a new version: fried calamari with puttanesca sauce. It was amazing. The tangy and savory sauce with the calamari was perfect.

“The flavor fusion between the tangy tomatoes, the zing of capers, and the richness of olives truly elevated this dish to another level.”

The puttanesca sauce combines tomatoes, capers, and olives. It brings new life to fried calamari. With every bite, you get a burst of flavors that highlights Italian seafood.

Whether as an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe is great for any meal. Its delicious taste makes it a perfect pick for Italian dinners.

Give it a Try!

If you like calamari or want to try new seafood, check this recipe out. This calamari with puttanesca sauce is a hit for any Italian seafood lover. It will impress anyone who tries it.

Now, let’s see how to make this tasty fried calamari with puttanesca sauce!

Other Calamari Recipe Recommendations

If you like calamari, try variations like Salt and Pepper Calamari. It’s calamari tossed with spices for extra flavor. Different recipes show how versatile and tasty calamari can be.

“I love calamari, especially the Salt and Pepper version. It mixes crispy calamari with bold spices for amazing flavor. It’s great for any event. Try it and see how fried squid can be even more delicious!”

Try the Salt and Pepper Calamari Recipe

Here’s an easy Salt and Pepper Calamari recipe:

1. Mix 1 cup flour, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
2. Coat calamari rings evenly in the flour mix.
3. Preheat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
4. Fry the calamari in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove the calamari and let any extra oil drip off on paper towels.
6. Enjoy it hot with your favorite dip or by itself.

This recipe is quick and lets the calamari’s natural taste be the star. The seasoning adds the perfect amount of spice. It’s great for a starter or a tasty seafood dish.

Try making Salt and Pepper Calamari for a delicious squid dish. It’s sure to impress everyone!

Conclusion

Fried calamari with puttanesca dipping sauce is a perfect appetizer or seafood treat. It combines squid rings’ crispy texture with a tangy tomato sauce’s bold tastes. This dish is a hit whether you adore calamari or are trying it for the first time.

The dish’s Mediterranean flavors and textures make a great seafood intro. Crispy calamari and tangy puttanesca sauce match well together. This creates a mix that’s hard to resist.

Try fried calamari with puttanesca sauce when you crave a tasty seafood dish. Enjoy it as a starter or within a seafood meal. The squid rings with sauce will impress you. Explore calamari’s world and enjoy the crispy squid with delicious tomato sauce.

Source Links

• https://onedadskitchen.com/2014/10/03/feed-on-friday-in-a-flash-with-fried-calamari-and-puttanesca-dipping-sauce/
• https://allfood.recipes/fried-calamari-with-puttanesca-dipping-sauce/
• https://www.lifesambrosia.com/calamari-puttanesca-recipe/