Fried calamari
If you've got squid, capers and mayonnaise, you're most of the way to this Spanish seafood: about 85 minutes of cooking across 13 steps. Scroll down for the ingredient checklist, a serving scaler and unit converter, and the method broken into 13 steps.
You'll mainly reach for pan. At medium difficulty across 13 steps, it's manageable with a little attention. As written, it's pescatarian — fish but no meat.
What you'll need
Shopping list (3)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
🔁 Unit converter
How to make it
- Cut the squid into rings about ½cm thick.
- Tip the flour into a freezer bag and season well.
- Add the capers, then give everything a good shake to mix together.
- Tip the squid into the bag, then shake again until all the rings are well coated.
- Mix together the garlic and mayonnaise, then place in a serving bowl.
- Pour some oil into a large pan until it comes about 7cm up the sides, but the pan is no more than a third full.
- Place over a medium heat and let the oil warm up.
- To test that the oil is ready, place a small piece of bread in the pan – it should sizzle when it touches the oil.
- Remove a handful of squid from the flour and shake off any excess.
- Gently drop into the oil, then cook for about 3 mins until crisp.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper.
- Repeat with the remaining squid.
- Serve straight away with the mayonnaise and lemon wedges.
You'll use: Pan
Watch how it's made
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Ingredient substitutions
- Lemon
- lime · 1 tbsp white wine vinegar per lemon
What to serve with Fried calamari
- Spanish Tortilla Vegetarian
- Roast fennel and aubergine paella Vegan
- Migas Miscellaneous
- Spiced tortilla Vegetarian
Tips & common questions
How long does Fried calamari take to make?
About 85 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 13 steps and 7 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
What can I use instead of lemon?
Try lime. See the substitutions section above for more swaps.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.
Related recipes
Recipe data for Fried calamari via TheMealDB (open database). ▶ Video. Original source. Consomee adds the scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure — how we source recipes.