Why Make This Recipe
Hot Butter Calamari is a delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick appetizer or a flavorful side. The combination of crispy fried calamari tossed in a rich butter and lemon sauce makes this dish irresistible. If you’re looking to impress your friends or family, this easy recipe is sure to impress. Plus, calamari is a great source of protein and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy meal. You might also enjoy trying out other flavorful recipes that make use of simple ingredients.
How to Make Hot Butter Calamari
Making Hot Butter Calamari is quite simple and requires very few ingredients. Here’s what you need.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge calamari rings in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry calamari in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove calamari and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and add lemon juice.
- Toss the fried calamari in the butter mixture.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
To enhance your dishes, consider making garlic butter sauces that can pair wonderfully with various seafood.
How to Serve Hot Butter Calamari
Serve Hot Butter Calamari as a tasty appetizer at parties or as a side dish alongside a fresh salad. Pair it with lemon wedges to brighten the flavors, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This dish goes well with a cool dipping sauce like aioli or tartar sauce.
How to Store Hot Butter Calamari
If you have leftovers, store the fried calamari in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. However, they taste best when served fresh. Reheating in the oven will help restore some crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this may make the calamari soggy.
Tips to Make Hot Butter Calamari
To achieve the perfect fried calamari, make sure the oil is hot before adding the calamari; this prevents them from becoming greasy. You can also adjust the seasoning of the flour mixture to your preference by adding more spices. For a delicious twist, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
Variation
For those who prefer grilled calamari, you can marinate the cleaned calamari rings in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling them instead of frying. Grilled calamari is another tasty option and makes for a lovely presentation on your plate.
FAQs
Can I use frozen calamari?
Yes, you can use frozen calamari. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking.
What can I serve with calamari?
Hot Butter Calamari can be served with a variety of side dishes such as salads, garlic bread, or even pasta. It pairs well with light wines too.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to make Hot Butter Calamari fresh, but you can prepare the flour mixture and clean the calamari ahead of time to save on prep work when ready to fry.
Hot Butter Calamari
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge calamari rings in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry calamari in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove calamari and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and add lemon juice.
- Toss the fried calamari in the butter mixture.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.