Fried Calamari with Lemon-Garlic Aioli

Fried calamari, or calamari fritti, is a classic Italian appetizer or main course that's easy to make at home and always a crowd-pleaser. Calamari are squid, and their meat is tender and slightly chewy when cooked properly. The key to great fried calamari is to cook it quickly over high heat so that it doesn't become tough. In this recipe, we use a simple batter made with flour, salt, and pepper and fry the calamari in hot olive oil until it's golden brown and crispy. We then serve it with a lemony garlic aioli for dipping.

The first time I had fried calamari was at a little Italian restaurant in North Beach. I was immediately hooked. The calamari was crispy and tender, and the lemon-garlic aioli was the perfect complement. I've been making fried calamari at home ever since, and this recipe is my go-to. It's easy to make, and it always turns out perfectly crispy and delicious.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the calamari, flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss to coat.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the calamari and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes per side.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, and mayonnaise.
6. Serve the calamari with the aioli.
7. Enjoy!

Why It Works

• Using a simple batter made with flour, salt, and pepper allows the natural flavor of the calamari to shine through.
• Frying the calamari in hot olive oil helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• The lemon-garlic aioli adds a bright and flavorful touch to the calamari.
• The combination of crispy calamari and tangy aioli is irresistible.