I love calamari and this is one of my favourite ways to have it.  These are not difficult to make, they just take a bit of time.  I say, “Time well spent”.Many people have these as appetizers, especially when they go out to eat.  What amazes me is what they are being charged.  I watch for the calamari to come on sale and then I buy a few packages and freeze them.  It’s always been my philosophy, “When on sale stock up”.  I mean really, why pay full price for something when you can get it on sale?

Into 3 separate bowls add 4 cups of panko crumbs, 4 eggs, beaten, 4 cups of flour.

Line a pan with foil (for easy clean up) and set up a rack on top.  I STRONGLY suggest that if you want more of a fried taste without all the oil, instead of placing the rack on the foil, add oil directly on top (as shown below) of your foil making sure the foil is well coated with the oil and place the calamari directly on top of the oil. Turning the calamari once it has turned a golden colour.  I think that making them this way gives them more taste.

First place calamari rings into flour and coat well.

Then place the rings into the beaten eggs, making sure they are well coated with the eggs.

Next place into a bowl with 4 cups of panko crumbs seasoned with 1-2 teaspoons of salt, 1-2 teaspoons of granulated garlic, and about the same amount of paprika making sure they are well coated.  The seasonings can be adjusted.  I always add more.

Place on the calamari on the rack or directly onto your oiled pan.

If adding oil directly onto the pan I usually make sure the pan is well coated with the oil.

Placing the calamari on the oil and then you can add more around the outer edges of the pan.

Then when the calamari is golden in colour it should be done.  I placed mine in the oven as I turned it on to preheat.  By the time it was preheated the calamari were done.  Keep in mind my calamari were smaller.  Just give them a taste test.  Then you’ll know for sure.

I also breaded salmon exactly the same way but cooked it longer in the oven.  Just bake it for the same length of time you normally would any salmon you would bake.  Mine took about 20 minutes because my husband likes his salmon very, very well done.  Again taste test.

Serve with some lemon wedges but I love my hot sauce with these.  Delicious with tartar sauce, plum sauce or even a sweet and sour sauce.

RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

1 Lb. Calamari Rings

4 Cups Panko Crumbs

4 Cups Flour

4 Eggs, Beaten

1-2 Teaspoons Salt

1-2 Teaspoons Granulated Garlic

1-2 Teaspoons Paprika

Oil For The Pan

PREPARATION

Place separately, seasoned panko crumbs, beaten eggs, and flour into 3 separate bowls.  Dip each calamari ring first into  the flour, then the egg, then the panko crumbs.  Place onto a wired rack or directly onto a well coated oiled pan.  Bake at 400 degree oven for approximately 10-12 minutes. Timing also depends on how large and thick the calamari rings are.  I find the best way to tell is simply to do a taste test.

ENJOY!