El Farol Fried Calamari

Crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible, El Farol Fried Calamari is a standout appetizer that brings restaurant-quality seafood to your kitchen. This Spanish-inspired recipe features tender calamari rings coated in a perfectly seasoned mixture of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cornstarch for an extra-crisp texture. Fried to perfection in olive oil and served with a zesty homemade aioli made with lemon juice, garlic, and a hint of cayenne, it's a dish that balances rich flavors with a bright, citrusy finish. Garnished with fresh parsley and served alongside lemon wedges, this quick and easy-to-make calamari is ideal for entertaining or indulging in a tapas-style feast at home. Perfectly crunchy and irresistibly flavorful, this fried calamari recipe is sure to leave your guests craving more!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Fresh calamari (squid), cleaned and sliced into rings
• 120 grams All-purpose flour
• 60 grams Cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Sea salt
• 2 Eggs, beaten
• 120 milliliters Whole milk
• 500 milliliters Light olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
• 4 Lemon wedges
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 120 grams Mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon Minced garlic
• 0.25 teaspoons Cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the calamari: Clean the calamari if not already prepped, slicing into 1/2-inch thick rings. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Prepare the batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.

Step 3

Prepare the dry coating: In another shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Step 4

Heat the oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep frying pan, heat the olive oil or vegetable oil to 180°C (350°F). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

Step 5

Dredge the calamari: Dip the calamari rings into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then coat them thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.

Step 6

Fry the calamari: Carefully place the coated calamari into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the rings and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 7

Season immediately: Sprinkle the fried calamari with the remaining teaspoon of salt while still hot.

Step 8

Prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 9

Garnish and serve: Plate the fried calamari, garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and the zesty aioli dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1601.5 grams (1601.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6672

Total Fat 609.20g	781%
Saturated Fat 85.50g	428%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 1668mg	556%
Sodium 5405mg	235%
Total Carbohydrate 203.70g	74%
Dietary Fiber 7.40g	26%
Total Sugars 7.90g
Protein 108.30g	217%

Vitamin D 135IU	673%
Calcium 437mg	34%
Iron 15mg	85%
Potassium 1957mg	42%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 81.5%

Protein: 6.4%

Carbs: 12.1%