Why Calamari is a Must-Try Seafood Dish
Calamari, or fried squid, is a popular appetizer and main course worldwide, loved for its crispy texture and savory flavor. Whether it’s lightly battered and served with marinara sauce or seasoned with bold spices and unique dipping sauces, this dish never fails to impress.
Why is calamari so popular?
✔️ It’s light, crispy, and delicious
✔️ It pairs well with many dipping sauces
✔️ It can be prepared in multiple ways (fried, grilled, sautéed)
✔️ It’s a staple in Mediterranean, Italian, and Asian cuisine
If you’re looking for the best calamari restaurants near you, or want to try new variations of this classic dish, we’ve got you covered.
Best Places to Get Crispy Calamari Near You
1. The Seafood Shack – Classic Fried Calamari
📍 Location: (Check local listings)
If you’re looking for classic fried calamari, The Seafood Shack is the place to be. Their calamari is lightly breaded, golden, and crispy, served with homemade marinara sauce. The generous portion size makes it perfect for sharing—or enjoying all by yourself!
⭐ Must-Try: Fried calamari with marinara
💡 Tip: Pair it with their signature seafood platter for a full feast.
2. The Italian Kitchen – Herbed Calamari with Aioli
📍 Location: (Check local listings)
For a unique twist on calamari, head to The Italian Kitchen. Their calamari is seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, then served with a creamy garlic aioli that adds an extra depth of flavor.
⭐ Must-Try: Herb-seasoned calamari with aioli
💡 Tip: Try pairing it with a glass of white wine to enhance the flavors.
3. The Fish Market – Lightly Battered Calamari with Zesty Cocktail Sauce
📍 Location: (Check local listings)
A go-to spot for seafood lovers, The Fish Market serves calamari that’s lightly battered, crispy, and flavorful. Their zesty cocktail sauce gives the dish an extra kick.
⭐ Must-Try: Lightly battered calamari with cocktail sauce
💡 Tip: Ask for extra lemon wedges for a fresh citrus boost.
4. The Dockside Grill – Upscale Calamari with Sweet Chili Glaze
📍 Location: (Check local listings)
For an elevated calamari experience, visit The Dockside Grill. Their calamari is served with a sweet chili glaze, balancing sweet and spicy flavors for a restaurant-quality dish.
⭐ Must-Try: Sweet chili calamari
💡 Tip: Pair it with their signature seafood risotto for a luxurious meal.
Types of Calamari Dishes You Need to Try
1️⃣ Fried Calamari – The most common style, often served with marinara or aioli.
2️⃣ Grilled Calamari – A healthier option, often marinated in olive oil, garlic, and lemon.
3️⃣ Calamari Tacos – A fusion twist, featuring fried or grilled calamari in a taco shell.
4️⃣ Stuffed Calamari – Often filled with breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then baked or grilled.
5️⃣ Calamari Salad – A fresh seafood salad with calamari, citrus dressing, and greens.
6️⃣ Calamari in Pasta – Mixed with spaghetti, garlic, white wine, and tomatoes for an Italian delight.
How to Make Crispy Calamari at Home
Want to enjoy restaurant-quality calamari at home? Here’s a quick and easy recipe:
Ingredients:
✔️ 1 lb fresh squid, cleaned and cut into rings
✔️ 1 cup all-purpose flour
✔️ 1 tsp salt
✔️ 1/2 tsp black pepper
✔️ 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
✔️ 1 cup buttermilk
✔️ Vegetable oil (for frying)
✔️ Lemon wedges (for serving)
✔️ Marinara or aioli sauce (for dipping)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the squid: Rinse the squid under cold water and pat dry. Cut into rings.
2️⃣ Coat in buttermilk: Soak the squid in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes—this keeps it tender.
3️⃣ Dredge in flour mixture: In a bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove the squid from buttermilk and coat with the flour mixture.
4️⃣ Heat the oil: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
5️⃣ Fry the calamari: Fry in small batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6️⃣ Drain & Serve: Drain on paper towels, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
💡 Tip: For extra crispiness, double coat the squid in flour before frying.
FAQs About Calamari
Q: Is calamari healthy?
A: Yes! Calamari is high in protein, low in fat, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy seafood option when consumed in moderation.
Q: Can I grill calamari instead of frying it?
A: Absolutely! Grilled calamari is a healthier alternative and offers a smoky flavor. Marinate it in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for extra taste.
Q: What is the best dipping sauce for calamari?
A: The most popular choices are marinara sauce, garlic aioli, tartar sauce, or sweet chili sauce.
Q: Can I find calamari at non-seafood restaurants?
A: Yes! Calamari is a popular appetizer and can be found at Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian restaurants.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for classic fried calamari, a creative twist with unique sauces, or even a homemade recipe, there’s no shortage of options to satisfy your craving.
🔥 Where to Buy Premium Calamari Online:
➡️ Buy Fresh Seafood Here
➡️ Shop Squid & Calamari
Which calamari spot is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! 🍽️🐙
