Spicy Lemon Garlic Calamari

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you're looking for a seafood dish that delivers a punch of flavor, this Spicy Lemon Garlic Calamari is it. The combination of tender calamari with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce is irresistible and perfect for a quick dinner or an impressive appetizer.

Ingredients for Spicy Lemon Garlic Calamari

Calamari is the star here, offering a delicate flavor and tender texture that shines when prepared correctly. The buttermilk soak tenderizes and adds subtle tanginess, while the all-purpose flour provides a light, crispy coating. The spice blend—salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper—brings a balance of seasoning and heat. Lemon juice and garlic work together to create a fragrant, zesty sauce that complements the crispy calamari perfectly. Frying oil gives the calamari its golden crispiness, and finishing with fresh parsley and lemon wedges brightens the dish both visually and flavor-wise.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure the oil is at the right temperature: use a thermometer if you have one for accuracy.
  • Don't skip the buttermilk soak; it's key for tender calamari.
  • Fry in small batches to maintain a consistent oil temperature.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove calamari from the oil for better drainage.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. For a complete meal, serve it with a fresh arugula salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette. If you're feeling adventurous, add a side of roasted vegetables or a bowl of buttery garlic noodles to round it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen calamari?
Yes, just make sure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before soaking in buttermilk.
What if I don't have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Is there a way to make this less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to adjust the heat level.

Spicy Lemon Garlic Calamari Recipe Walkthrough

Start by soaking your calamari rings in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for tenderizing the calamari, so don't rush it. While the calamari is soaking, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a separate bowl. This will be your dredging mixture.

Heat your oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that it smokes. Once the calamari has soaked, dredge each ring in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. Fry the calamari in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy calamari. Each batch should take about 2-3 minutes to turn golden brown and crispy.

While the calamari is frying, heat the lemon juice and garlic in a small saucepan until fragrant. This should only take a minute or two. Once your calamari is done, pour the lemon-garlic sauce over it. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, yet feels gourmet.
  • The buttermilk soak ensures tender calamari.
  • The spice blend adds a warm kick without overwhelming the palate.
  • Perfect for entertaining or a cozy dinner for two.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 lemon, juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Oil for frying
Fresh parsley for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, soak calamari in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. In another bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Dredge calamari rings in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Fry the calamari in batches until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch.
6. In a saucepan, heat lemon juice and garlic until fragrant and pour over the fried calamari.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!