Delicious Fried Calamari Recipe – Authentic Spanish Flavor

Authentic Spanish Seafood recipe — Fried calamari. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Fried Calamari Recipe – Authentic Spanish Flavor

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 pound calamari, cleaned and sliced
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges
  • to taste aioli or marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions

7 steps

  1. Prepare the Calamari

    Rinse the calamari under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

    Make sure the calamari is thoroughly dried for a crispier texture.
  2. Make the Batter

    In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

    You can add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  3. Dip in Buttermilk

    Soak the calamari in buttermilk for about 30 minutes before coating.

    This helps the batter adhere better.
  4. Coat the Calamari

    Dredge the soaked calamari in the seasoned flour mixture until well-coated.

    Shake off excess flour before frying.
  5. Heat the Oil

    In a large, deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

    Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is around 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry the Calamari

    Fry the calamari in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.

    Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
  7. Drain and Serve

    Remove the calamari from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.

    Serve immediately for the best texture.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Serve with a squeeze of lemon for added flavor. Use fresh calamari for the best taste. Experiment with different dipping sauces for variety.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 1 day in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 1 month — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Gently reheat in a pan over low heat. Avoid microwaving seafood as it can become rubbery.

What to Serve With

Complete your spanish meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Patatas bravas
🍽️Mixed olives
🍽️Spanish rice

About This Dish

Delicious Fried Calamari Recipe – Authentic Spanish Flavor is a beloved dish from Spanish cuisine.

Spanish cuisine celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients cooked with simplicity and flair. From tapas culture to regional specialties, Spain's food traditions are deeply rooted in community and celebration.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but make sure to thaw and dry it thoroughly before frying.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories300kcal
Total Fat15gg
Sodium500mgmg
Total Carbohydrates30gg
Dietary Fiber2gg
Total Sugars1gg
Protein15gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineSpanish
CategorySeafood