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Beer-Battered Fried Calamari

17/11/2023

The recipe for beer-battered fried calamari is a classic when it comes to seafood finger food, and the addition of beer to the batter makes them even more crispy and tasty. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

  • 500 g of cleaned fresh squid
  • 200 g of flour
  • 1 egg
  • 250 ml of cold light beer
  • Seed oil for frying
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated zest of one lemon (optional for a citrus touch)
  • A handful of chopped parsley (optional for garnishing)

Preparation

  1. Cut the squid into rings about one centimeter thick. If they have not already been cleaned, remove the innards and outer skin, then wash them under running water and dry well.
  2. In a bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the egg and start to mix, gradually adding the beer, until you get a batter that is not too runny or too thick.
  3. Heat plenty of seed oil in a pan or deep fryer. The oil should reach a temperature of about 180 °C; you can test the temperature by dropping a bit of batter into the oil, if it fries immediately without burning, the oil is ready.
  4. Dip the squid rings into the batter, making sure to cover them completely.
  5. Fry the battered calamari a few at a time, without overlapping, until they are golden and crispy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
  6. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  7. Serve them hot, possibly sprinkling with a bit of grated lemon zest and chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color.

Curiosity

Did you know that beer batter is a favorite for seafood frying? The carbonation in the beer makes the batter lighter and, once immersed in hot oil, helps create a unique crunchiness that doesn’t weigh down the delicate taste of the squid.

Don’t forget to accompany the calamari with lemon wedges to squeeze over them before eating and possibly a tartar sauce or mayonnaise for dipping. And if you want to stick with the beer theme, why not pair it with a cold and fresh light beer like the one used for the batter? Enjoy your meal!

Beer-Battered Fried Calamari