This version of fried calamari has become familiar to most Americans from various restaurant chains. This calamari recipe comes from southern Italy.

Ingredients

• 1/2 to 1 pound squid (calamari) sliced into rings
• 1 cup flour
• 2 large eggs, whipped
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• Enough vegetable oil to fill bottom of heavy skillet to 1/2"

Directions

1. Toss a handful of calamari with flour, shake off excess.
2. Roll in the egg
3. Roll in the bread crumbs
4. Fry for 3 or 4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and salt to taste.

Note: Serve warm with fresh lemon slices. In all my years of living in Italy and traveling in Italy I have never, never been served tomato sauce with my fried calamari. This is an American addition. If you choose to serve a marinara sauce with your calamari keep it simple. It should not mask the taste of the squid.

As mentioned above, don't over fry the calamari. It will get rubbery and chewy.

Fried Calamari Recipe 1
Do you enjoy seafood? Try some of these other great Italian recipes.