Spicy Lemon Herb Calamari

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 3 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're looking to spice up your seafood repertoire, this Spicy Lemon Herb Calamari is a must-try. Combining the zestiness of lemon with a hint of heat, this dish makes for a quick and impressive appetizer or a delightful main course.

Ingredients for Spicy Lemon Herb Calamari

The star of this dish is, of course, the squid. Using fresh squid rings ensures a tender texture, which pairs beautifully with the crispy coating. The flour forms a light crust around the squid, while the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper add a smoky, spicy kick. Garlic powder and onion powder provide depth of flavor, and a touch of salt and black pepper balances everything out. The lemon zest and juice not only brighten the dish but also cut through the richness, while the fresh parsley and cilantro add a fresh, herbaceous finish. Soaking the squid in buttermilk tenderizes it further and helps the flour mixture adhere better. Finally, the vegetable oil is used for frying to a perfect golden crisp.

Tips & Tricks

  • For the crispiest calamari, make sure not to overcrowd the pan during frying.
  • If you're unsure about the oil temperature, use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
  • Want extra crunch? Double-dip the squid rings in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a big difference — avoid the bottled stuff.

Serving Suggestions

This calamari pairs beautifully with a simple garlic aioli or a spicy marinara sauce. Add a side of mixed greens or a light pasta salad to make it a complete meal. For a refreshing drink pairing, try a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure it's fully thawed and well-drained before soaking in buttermilk.
What if I don't have buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to retain some crispiness.

Spicy Lemon Herb Calamari Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your flour mix. In a bowl, combine the flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful coating for the squid. Next, pour the buttermilk into another bowl and let the squid rings soak for about 10 minutes. This step helps tenderize the squid and ensures the coating sticks well.

While the squid is soaking, heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. You're aiming for about 350°F, which is the optimal temperature for frying. To check the temperature, you can drop a small amount of flour into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Once the oil is ready, dredge each squid ring in the flour mixture, making sure they are fully coated. Fry the calamari in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy calamari. Each batch should take about 2-3 minutes to turn golden and crispy. Once done, remove the calamari and let them drain on paper towels to keep them from getting greasy.

With the frying complete, toss your calamari with lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and cilantro. This adds a burst of freshness that complements the crispy exterior beautifully. Serve immediately to enjoy them at their best: hot and crisp.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick cooking time — perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
  • The perfect balance of spices and herbs keeps it flavorful and exciting.
  • Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
  • A great way to enjoy seafood that's crispy, tender, and full of character.

Ingredients

1 lb squid rings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place buttermilk in a separate bowl and soak squid rings in it for 10 minutes.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
4. Dredge squid rings in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
5. Fry squid rings in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Toss fried calamari with lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and cilantro.
8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

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