Pan-fried Calamari Rings

Pan-fried calamari rings are a simple and tasty dish, a classic of Mediterranean cuisine. Here is the recipe to prepare them.

Ingredients

• 500 g of fresh or frozen calamari rings
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Parsley, as needed
• Juice of half a lemon
• Flour, as much as needed for dusting
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Preparation

1. If using frozen calamari, make sure they are completely defrosted before starting. If they are fresh, make sure they have been cleaned properly.
2. Dry the calamari rings well with paper towels to remove any residual water.
3. Dust the calamari rings lightly with flour. This will create a light crust when you brown them.
4. In a large skillet, heat some extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic cloves to flavor the oil and brown them. Remember to remove them before they turn too dark.
5. Add the floured calamari rings to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn golden and slightly crispy. Be careful not to overcook them, as this will make them rubbery.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and towards the end, add the chopped parsley and lemon juice.
7. Serve immediately, while they are still hot and fragrant.

Curiosity

Traditionally, in Italy, calamari are served with fresh lemon slices to be squeezed at the last moment. This touch of acidity enhances the flavor of the sea and gives the dish a fresh note. Make sure to pair the calamari with a good chilled white wine, like Vermentino or Fiano, which match very well with the taste of seafood.