Fried Calamari Recipe

1. 1

   Place calamari in a medium nonreactive bowl, cover with buttermilk, and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

2. 2

   Heat the oven to 200 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.

3. 3

   Line a baking sheet with a few layers of paper towels.

4. 4

   Combine flour and salt in a large bowl and whisk to aerate and break up any lumps; set aside.

5. 5

   Pour 2 inches of the canola oil into a Dutch oven or a large, heavy-bottomed pot.

6. 6

   Heat over high heat until the oil reaches 400 degrees F on a deep-frying/candy thermometer.

7. 7

   Remove a handful of the calamari from the buttermilk, place it in the flour mixture, and toss to evenly coat.

8. 8

   Transfer calamari to a fine mesh strainer and gently shake any excess flour back into the bowl.

9. 9

   Carefully place the calamari in the oil and fry until light golden brown, about 1 minute.

10. 10

    Transfer to the prepared baking sheet using a slotted spoon, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

11. 11

    Place the baking sheet in the oven to keep warm.

12. 12

    Return the oil to 400 degrees F and repeat the process with the remaining calamari (about 5 to 6 batches total).

13. 13

    Serve with lemon wedges.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.