Calamares is a popular Filipino snack made of squid rings that are battered and deep-fried until crispy. It’s commonly eaten as a snack or with drinks and is usually served with a dipping sauce like garlic mayo or sweet chili sauce.
| Serving Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 2-3 persons | ₱ 350.00 |
Estimated Nutritional Content Table
| Nutrients | 1Kg/serving |
| Calories | 350-450 cal |
| Proteins | 25-30 g |
| Fats | 20-25 g |
| Carbohydrate | 15-20 g |
| Fibre | 2-3 g |
| Sugar | 5-6 g |
| Sodium | 400-500 mg |
Calamares Ingredients
- 1 lb squid, cleaned and cut into rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup cold water (or beer for extra crispiness)
- Cooking oil for deep frying.
- Calamares Sauce.
Calamares Recipe
How to cook Calamares?
1. Prepare the Squid:
- Clean and Cut: Clean the squid thoroughly. Remove the head, ink sac, and cartilage. Cut the squid into rings about 1/2 inch thick.
- Dry: Pat the squid rings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Prepare the Batter:
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the cold water (or beer).
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.
3. Coat and Fry the Squid:
- Heat Oil: Heat cooking oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip and Fry: Dip the squid rings into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and carefully place them into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook: Fry the squid rings for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcooking to keep the squid tender.
- Drain: Remove the fried squid from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Serve:
- Plate: Arrange the calamares on a serving platter.
- Dip: Serve with your choice of dipping sauce, such as garlic mayo, aioli, or sweet chili sauce.
- Garnish: Garnish with lemon wedges or chopped parsley if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Calamar is a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. With its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful squid inside, it offers a satisfying contrast in textures and tastes. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or pulutan, calamar is a versatile dish that brings a touch of the sea to your table. Enjoy this classic Filipino favorite with your family and friends.
