Best 2 Crunchy Cornmeal Fried Squid Recipes

Cornmeal-fried squid is a classic Southern dish that tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. This simple-to-make dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of fresh squid, and the cornmeal coating adds a delicious crunch that makes it hard to resist. In today's article, we'll explore the best recipes and techniques to achieve the perfect crunchy cornmeal fried squid that will surely become a hit at your next gathering. We'll dive into the art of selecting the best squid for this dish, the secrets to getting that golden-brown crust, and tips for creating a flavorful, aromatic dipping sauce. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your cooking oil, and let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the best recipe for crunchy cornmeal fried squid.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

DRY FRIED CALAMARI

Dry Fried Calamari image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories appetizer

Time 20m

Yield 4 appetizer servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

2 quarts peanut oil
1 pound squid, tubes and tentacles
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup plain cornmeal
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Place the peanut oil in a 4 to 5-quart Dutch oven and place over medium-high heat. Heat oil until it reaches 375 degrees F.
Rinse the squid thoroughly and pat dry. Cut the tentacles in half lengthwise and the tubes into 1/2-inch rings. Set aside.
Place the flour and the cornmeal into a medium mixing bowl and stir to combine. In small handfuls, dredge the squid in the flour and cornmeal mixture and shake off the excess. In batches, gently lower the squid into the hot oil. Cook for 1 minute. The squid will not be browned, but lightly golden in color. Remove the squid and transfer to a cooling rack turned upside down set over a newspaper-lined sheet pan. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Repeat until all of the squid is cooked. Make sure to check the temperature of the oil before each batch to ensure it is 375 degrees F. Serve immediately.

FRIED CALAMARI

Fried Calamari image

Make and share this Fried Calamari recipe from Food.com.

Provided by canarygirl

Categories Squid

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 lb cleaned calamari, cut into rings
1/4 cup cornmeal or 1/4 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, mashed
1 cup breadcrumbs (I like garlic and parsley flavored)
salt
oil (for frying)

Steps:

First, coat the calamari rings in corn meal, shaking them out to get rid of any excess.
Then dip them into a mixture of the eggs and garlic.
Lastly, dip them into the bread crumbs mixed with salt, coating them well, and shaking off any excess.
Up to this point may be done in advance, and the calamari rings refrigerated for a couple of hours, until you are ready to fry.
Meanwhile, heat the oil (the secret to crispy calamari is hot, hot oil, just below the smoking point.) Fry the rings (in batches) about 1 minute, or until they are golden.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
If you have a deep fryer it's best, but otherwise, make sure the oil is deep enough to cover the calamari.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges, garlic mayo, and marinara sauce.

Tips:

Select the freshest squid possible. Look for squid with a firm, white body and clear eyes. Avoid squid that is discolored or has a slimy texture.
Clean the squid thoroughly. Remove the head, tentacles, and ink sac. Cut the body into rings or strips.
Marinate the squid in a flavorful mixture. This will help to tenderize the squid and add flavor. Some popular marinades include olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
Coat the squid in cornmeal before frying. This will help to create a crispy crust.
Fry the squid in hot oil until it is golden brown. Be careful not to overcook the squid, as it will become tough.
Serve the squid immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Some popular dipping sauces include tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, and marinara sauce.

Conclusion:

Crunchy cornmeal fried squid is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course. By following these tips, you can make sure that your squid is cooked perfectly and has a crispy, flavorful coating. So next time you're looking for a seafood dish that is sure to impress, give this recipe a try!