Calamares is the Filipino version of the Mediterranean breaded fried squid dish, Calamari. There are different methods on how to make this dish; the most usual does not involve breadcrumbs. However, I chose to add breadcrumbs for this recipe for visual appeal and a crunchier texture.
So, what is the difference between Calamares and Calamari besides the spelling? 🙂 Well, there is no big difference at all. The only difference that I noticed is the dipping sauce. Calamari is often dipped in marina or other tomato based sauce while Filipino Calamares is dipped in spiced vinegar or toyo mansi.
I enjoy this dish when spiced vinegar is around. This makes a real good “pulutan” (beer food) too. Do you also like to pair Calamares with beer?If in case you are having a hard time looking for fresh squids, you may always purchase the packaged squid rings for calamari. These are located on the frozen food section of most supermarkets or grocery stores.
Try this Calamares recipe and let me know what you think. Cheers!
Calamares Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb medium to large sized squid cleaned and sliced into rings
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 piece raw egg beaten
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups cooking oil
Instructions
- Combine squid, salt, and ground black pepper then mix well. Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Heat a cooking pot the pour-in cooking oil.
- Dredge the squid in flour then dip in beaten egg and roll over breadcrumbs.
- When the oil is hot enough, deep-fry the squid until the color of the coating turns brown. Note: This should only take about 2 to 3 minutes in medium heat. Do not overcook the squid.
- Remove the fried squid from the cooking pot and transfer in a plate lined with paper towels.
- Serve with sinamak or Asian dipping sauce.
- Share and enjoy!
anna says
how many persons can 1/2 pound feed??
Jane Amora says
Hi Panlasang Pinoy! I featured this recipe in my food blog. Check it out if you have time. God bless!
jade bienvenu says
hi kuya tried this and its soooo yummy.. my fam loves it .. fabulous! hehehe hey do u have a recipe for shrimp tempura? pls pls pls…
marie belle says
hello! im very thankful in this website it will help me a lot to learn how to cook specially my favorite food…more power and god bless po..
violetadalisay says
I want to learn more of Pinoy foods I am an avid fan of Panlasang Pinoy
Vanjo Merano says
Sure violet, what recipes or cooking methods do you want to learn?
ryan says
I used patis as an alternative to salt because seafood tend to shrink when in contact with salt. Still pretty good!
Kim Alexis says
Thank you so much Panlasang Pinoy, you are a life saver. I’m not a cook but because of your recipes my family loved my cooking. More power. God bless…
Jen says
Thank you , your recipes are all good.
Vanjo Merano says
You are welcome, Jen. Thanks for the feedback.