Authentic Spanish Fried Calamari Recipe | Easy & Delicious

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

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Spanish Fried Calamari Recipe | Easy & Delicious

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 pound calamari (cleaned and cut into rings)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges (for serving)
  • 1 cup parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Prepare the Calamari

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

    Ensure they are thoroughly dried for better frying.
  2. Mix the Coating

    In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

    Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
  3. Soak in Buttermilk

    Submerge the calamari in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.

    This will tenderize the calamari and add flavor.
  4. Heat the Oil

    In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.

    You can test the heat by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil.
  5. Coat and Fry

    Take the calamari out of buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, and fry in batches until golden.

    Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature.
  6. Drain and Serve

    Drain the fried calamari on paper towels and serve hot with lemon wedges.

    Garnish with parsley for a fresh touch.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh calamari for best results. Serve with a spicy aioli for added flavor. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying.

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

Authentic Spanish Fried Calamari Recipe | Easy & Delicious 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 9 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
Calories350kcal
Total Fat18gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates30gg
Dietary Fiber1gg
Total Sugars0gg
Protein25gg

* 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