Easy Calamari

Calamari is very easy to make and generally everyone loves it and will order it out at a restaurant, so why not make it at home. The squid I purchased was already cleaned and cut into rings, so this was a piece of cake. If yours comes in the tube form, just cut into ringlets discarding the pointed end.  The key to cooking calamari is to cook it quickly over high heat to prevent them from having a rubbery, chewy texture. Don’t wait to enjoy calamari at a restaurant, make this easy and tasty recipe at home for a special treat. If you like this recipe try Lightly Breaded Calamari with a Garlic Basil Butter Sauce.

Ingredients

1 lb. of squid cleaned and cut into ringlets if not already done so
3/4 cup of Egg Beaters or 3 eggs beaten
2 cups of panko bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper
1 cup of olive oil Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
Optional Seasonings for Panko Bread Crumb Mixture
(Please note that you may need to eliminate the kosher salt or it might get too salty.)
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes

Technique

Thoroughly rinse and drain squid under cold water. If squid has not been cut, cut the tubes into thin rings using a sharp knife discarding the pointed tip of each tube. Rinse and drain squid again. Place into a large bowl with Egg Beaters or beaten eggs. In another large bowl add panko bread crumbs, salt and pepper and any other spice if using. Keep in mind you may have to eliminate the salt if using more spices. Add half the oil to a large skillet over high heat. You will be cooking the squid in batches and will add more oil as you cook the squid. Make sure it is hot before adding squid. When cooking squid, it is essential to cook it quickly over high heat to prevent it from becoming overcooked resulting in a very chewy, rubbery texture. Evenly coat squid that is in the Egg Beaters with the panko bread crumb mixture and add to the skillet. Turn as soon as it has a nice brown and crispy texture and repeat on the opposite side. Remove once both sides are golden brown and continue with the remaining squid adding more oil as needed. Cooking time for squid is about 2 -3 minutes making sure it is done but not overcooked. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping if using.