Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations

Easy-to-make Fried Calamari with Lemon and Garlic Sauce

Fried calamari in a basket next to a glass of champaign
Photo by Shari Pennington.

This calamari is easy to make and makes a delicious appetizer. The recipe pairs well with Ankida Ridge Vineyards’ 2016 Brut and appears in this full episode of “ Un-Wine’d,” which airs Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. on VPM PBS.

Watch past seasons and current episodes on the PBS app or PBS website. Check the broadcast schedule for local listings. To discover more recipes seen on “Un-Wine’d," please click here.


 

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 lb fresh squid, cleaned and bodies cut into ¾” pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tsp. Lime juice
  • ½ tsp. Salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 2 c. flour
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • ½ tsp. Cayenne
  • Mixing bowl

  • ¼ tsp. Pepper
  • 2 tsp. Salt
  • 1 c. beer, sparkling wine, or club soda
  • Frying oil
  • 1 c. mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp. Minced garlic
  • Zest and juice of half a lemon
  • 1 tsp. Dried basil
  • 2 Small bowls

Directions

Step 1: Mix together the squid, garlic, lime juice, ½ tsp. Salt and some freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl blend together the flour, olive oil, cayenne, pepper and 2 tbsp. salt.

Step 3: Pour in the beer, sparkling wine or club soda and mix well. Add the squid and stir to coat well.

Step 4: Heat the oil to 375 and drain the calamari (squid). Drop by small batches into the hot oil and cook for 4 minutes or until golden.

Step 5: Drain on paper towels.

Step 6: To make the lemon and garlic sauce, mix together in a small bowl 1 c. mayonnaise, 1 tsp. Minced garlic, 1 tsp. dried basil and the zest or juice of half a lemon.

Step 7: Serve the calamari and sauce together and enjoy.