Easy Thai Style Fried Calamari Recipe

Name: Easy Thai Style Fried Calamari
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 large squid tubes (frozen or freshly prepared; OR 3 to 4 medium tubes. If frozen, thaw quickly in a bowl of cool water.); 1/2 cup semolina (a type of granular wheat flour available at health food or specialty food stores); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or dried crushed chili); 1/8 teaspoon 5-spice powder; Pinch black pepper (or white); 1 cup canola oil (or other high-heat oil); Optional: lettuce (or fresh coriander for serving); Garnish: Thai sweet chili sauce (for serving, available in most supermarkets)

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 10 mins

Total: 20 mins

Servings: 3 to 4 servings

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This Thai version of fried calamari is crisp and seriously delicious—and you won't believe how simple it is to make. If you're a fan of Greek calamari, you'll love this recipe. As the recipe will demonstrate, fried calamari needn't be as difficult as it sounds—simply cut the squid into rings, dip into a simple flour and spice mixture, and fry. Serve it up with Thai sweet chili sauce and dig in.

Semolina is a type of granular wheat flour available at health food or specialty food stores.

Thai sweet chili sauce is available in most supermarkets.

2 large squid tubes, frozen or freshly prepared; or 3 to 4 medium tubes; if frozen, thaw quickly in a bowl of cool water
1/2 cup semolina
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or dried crushed chile
1/8 teaspoon 5-spice powder
1 pinch freshly ground pepper, black or white
1 cup canola oil, or other high-heat oil
Lettuce, or fresh coriander, for serving, optional
Thai sweet chili sauce, for serving

Gather the ingredients.

The Spruce / Ali Redmond
Place semolina flour in a shallow bowl or spread over a plate. Stir in the salt and spices. Set aside.

The Spruce / Ali Redmond
Place squid tubes horizontally in front of you on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife and cutting toward you, make slices about 1/2-inch wide. This will create nice-size rings.

The Spruce / Ali Redmond
Open up the calamari rings and roll them one by one in the flour and salt mixture until they are covered. Place floured rings on a clean plate next to the stove.

The Spruce / Ali Redmond
Pour oil into a small- or medium-sized frying pan. The oil should be at least 1-inch deep.

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Turn heat to high- or medium-high, until the oil begins to bubble or "move" from the bottom of the pan. To test if oil is hot enough: using a pair of tongs, dip one of the calamari rings into the oil. If it sizzles and begins to cook, the oil is ready.

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Place as many rings into the oil as can comfortably fit at one time. Fry about 1 minute, then turn the rings over to cook on the other side.

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Turn heat down to medium to prevent oil splattering. The calamari should turn a light golden brown. Avoid over-cooking, or squid will turn rubbery.

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When rings are done frying, remove from oil and place on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to drain.

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Serve immediately while still hot. Serve with Thai sweet chili sauce.

The Spruce / Ali Redmond

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
289	Calories
19g	Fat
25g	Carbs
6g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3 to 4
Amount per serving
Calories	289
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 19g	24%
Saturated Fat 1g	7%
Cholesterol 50mg	17%
Sodium 278mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate 25g	9%
Dietary Fiber 1g	3%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 6g
Vitamin C 2mg	8%
Calcium 12mg	1%
Iron 1mg	6%
Potassium 97mg	2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.