Kerala Calamari Fry: A Crispy & Flavorful Seafood Delight
1 hour 5 minutes
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About Kerala Calamari Fry: A Crispy & Flavorful Seafood Delight
Experience the irresistible crunch and vibrant flavors of Kerala with this Calamari Fry recipe. Imagine tender calamari rings, kissed with a fragrant spice blend, transformed into golden perfection.This isn't your average fried calamari. A vibrant masala, bursting with curry leaves, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes, elevates this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. Serve it with rice, roti, or paratha for a satisfying meal, or enjoy it as a show-stopping appetizer. Perfect for any occasion, this Kerala Calamari Fry is guaranteed to impress.
Recipe Time & More
Prep45 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
For the Calamari Marinade
- 500 gm Calamari Rings
- 2 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 15 Curry Leaves
- 2 tsp Coconut Oil or any other cooking oil
- 1 tsp Chili Powder red
- Salt to taste
For the Masala
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 tsp Fennel Seeds
- 2 Onions sliced
- 2 tsp Garlic chopped
- 1 tsp Ginger chopped
- 1 Tomato chopped
- Chilies chopped, green, to taste
For Frying
- Oil as needed, for frying
Other
- 1/4 cup Water
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the calamari rings under cold running water. This removes any lingering impurities.
- In a bowl, combine the ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, curry leaves, coconut oil, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the calamari rings to the marinade. Ensure they are evenly coated. Allow the calamari to marinate for 30-40 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the calamari.
- Heat oil in a pan for frying. Ensure the oil is hot enough to ensure crispy calamari.
- Carefully add the marinated calamari rings to the hot oil. Fry them on medium heat for 4-6 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan, fry in batches if necessary. Do not overfry, as this will make the calamari rubbery.
- Once golden brown and crispy, remove the calamari from the oil. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Set aside.
- In a separate pan, heat one tablespoon of oil. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. This adds a nutty flavor to the masala.
- Add fennel seeds to the pan. Sauté until fragrant. This enhances the aromatic complexity of the dish.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn translucent and lightly golden. This creates a sweet and savory base for the masala.
- Add chopped ginger and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes on medium flame until fragrant. This infuses the masala with a warm, pungent flavor.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes on medium flame until they soften slightly. This adds a tangy sweetness to the masala.
- Add the fried calamari, curry leaves, green chilies, and salt to the pan. Mix well to combine with the masala.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of water. This creates a light sauce that coats the calamari and helps meld the flavors.
- Cover the pan and cook for 5-8 minutes on medium flame. This allows the calamari to absorb the flavors of the masala and creates a cohesive dish.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Your delicious Kerala Calamari Fry is now ready to serve.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless breasts.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder or using a different type of chili altogether.
- If you don't have fresh cilantro on hand, you can substitute with parsley or omit it altogether.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 171kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 21gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 291mgSodium: 61mgPotassium: 486mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 442IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 1mg
3 Comments
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Such a great recipe! Can’t wait to try it.
Absolutely fantastic! Thanks for the recipe.
Yum! This recipe is a must-try.