Calamares a la Romana (Spanish Fried Squid Rings)
Local name: Calamares a la romana
In short: Squid rings dusted in flour, dipped in egg and fried quickly until crisp and tender, served with lemon wedges, a bar and beach favorite across Spain. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Calamares a la romana are the squid rings sold in bars and beach stands all over Spain, often in a paper cone, or stuffed into a bocadillo (a crusty bread roll) in Madrid. The coating is just flour and egg, thinner and lighter than a beer batter. The key is to fry them fast, in very hot oil, so the squid stays tender instead of rubbery.
Instructions
- Dry the squid rings thoroughly on paper towels. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of the salt, wait 5 minutes and pat dry again.
- Mix the flour and the remaining salt in a shallow dish. Beat the eggs in a second dish.
- Heat the oil in a deep pot to 185°C (365°F), at least 6 cm (2.5 in) deep.
- Toss a handful of rings in the flour, shake off the excess, dip them in egg and let the extra drip off. Lower them into the oil in small batches.
- Fry for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until golden and crisp. Do not go longer or the squid will turn tough. Lift out onto paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky salt.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges, or with a bowl of garlic mayonnaise.
Tips
- Squid is tender after under 2 minutes of frying or after 30 minutes of braising. In between it turns rubbery, so watch the clock.
- Dry the rings very well and coat them only when the oil is ready. Wet squid makes the oil spit and the coating slide off.
Questions and answers
Can I use frozen squid for calamares?
Yes. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, drain it well and pat very dry. Most squid sold in shops has been frozen already.
Why does my coating fall off the squid?
The squid was probably still wet, or the coating sat too long before frying. Dry the rings, coat them in small handfuls and fry straight away.
Can I make calamares in an air fryer?
You can, though the coating will be drier and less crisp. Spray the coated rings with oil and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once.
How long does it take to make Calamares a la Romana (Spanish Fried Squid Rings)?
About 35 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Calamares a la Romana (Spanish Fried Squid Rings)?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 25 g of protein, 20 g of carbohydrates and 17 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
