Crispy Calamari Rings with Roasted Pepper Dip
Crispy Calamari Rings with Roasted Pepper Dip
The Perfect Companion to Beer! Make Delicious Fried Calamari at Home!
Who doesn’t love crispy fried calamari? Dip the freshly fried, warm calamari rings into our flavorful roasted pepper dip for an explosion of taste! This sauce, made from blended roasted bell peppers, is incredibly versatile – perfect for fried foods, bread, salads, and more. Today, elevate your dining experience with this simple yet special recipe!
For the Fried Calamari- Calamari 285g
- All-purpose flour (for coating)
- Panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Eggs 2
- Black pepper a pinch
- Dried parsley flakes a pinch
For the Roasted Pepper Dip- Red bell pepper 1
- Olive (optional, for depth of flavor) 1
- Lemon juice 2 Tbsp
- Sugar 2 Tbsp
- Mayonnaise 8 Tbsp
- Red bell pepper 1
- Olive (optional, for depth of flavor) 1
- Lemon juice 2 Tbsp
- Sugar 2 Tbsp
- Mayonnaise 8 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
If using frozen calamari rings, thaw them naturally. The amounts of flour and breadcrumbs can vary depending on how much you like to coat the calamari, so feel free to adjust as needed. You don’t need to measure them precisely!
Step 2
Before making the fried calamari, let’s prepare the perfect companion: the roasted pepper dip. Wash the red bell pepper thoroughly under running water, pat it dry with a paper towel, and lightly brush it with olive oil. This will help it roast beautifully in the oven or on the stovetop.
Step 3
Place the bell pepper in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) and roast for about 15 minutes. Flip it over and roast for another 15 minutes, for a total of about 30 minutes, until it’s nicely charred and softened. This process concentrates the natural sweetness of the pepper. (If you don’t have an oven, refer to the pan-frying method in the next step.)
Step 4
Let the roasted bell pepper cool down slightly. The skin should peel off easily as it cools. Carefully peel off the skin and remove the seeds from the inside. It’s perfect when the skin is slightly blackened and blistered.
Step 5
Prepare the roasted pepper flesh (after removing skin and seeds), the optional olive, lemon juice, sugar, and mayonnaise. The olive will add a deep flavor, the lemon juice adds brightness, the sugar provides sweetness, and the mayonnaise contributes a creamy texture.
Step 6
Using a blender or immersion blender, purée the roasted bell pepper and olive until very smooth. Ensure there are no lumps for a velvety dip.
Step 7
Transfer the smooth pepper purée to a bowl. Add the lemon juice and sugar, and stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. This is key for balancing the flavors. Next, add the creamy mayonnaise and mix everything together until well combined.
Step 8
Once all ingredients are smoothly blended, your rich and flavorful ‘Roasted Pepper Dip’ is ready! This dip cuts through the richness of the fried calamari and enhances its savory taste, making it an exceptional pairing.
Step 9
★ Super Easy Roasted Pepper Dip Without an Oven ★ If using an oven is a hassle or you’re short on time, try this stovetop method! Finely chop the bell pepper, sauté it in a pan with a little oil until tender and lightly browned, then blend it as in steps 6-7. You’ll achieve a similar delicious flavor!
Step 10
Now, let’s prepare the calamari for frying. Mix a pinch of pepper into the all-purpose flour and spread it on a wide plate. Dredge the calamari rings in the flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. Lightly patting the calamari dry with a paper towel beforehand helps the flour adhere better.
Step 11
Crack the two eggs into a bowl and whisk them thoroughly with a fork until smooth, ensuring no streaks of yolk or white remain. Dip the flour-coated calamari into the beaten egg, making sure each piece is well-covered.
Step 12
Finally, coat the calamari with panko breadcrumbs. Spread the breadcrumbs on a wide plate and press the calamari firmly into them, ensuring they are completely covered. Pressing down with your hands helps the breadcrumbs adhere well, preventing them from falling off during frying and creating a wonderfully crispy texture. A thicker coating results in a tastier fry!
Step 13
If any areas are not fully coated, dip them briefly back into the egg wash and reapply breadcrumbs. Ensuring a complete breadcrumb coating is crucial to prevent the calamari’s moisture from escaping during frying, keeping them tender and crispy.
Step 14
Pour enough oil into a deep pan for frying and heat it to about 170-180°C (340-350°F). Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breadcrumb-coated calamari. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature. Fry in batches for about 3-5 minutes, or until the calamari are golden brown and crispy.
Step 15
Dip these hot, crispy fried calamari rings generously into the prepared roasted pepper dip. You’ve just created the ultimate beer snack! This dish is also a fantastic treat for kids, so enjoy making delicious memories with your loved ones!
