This Hot Butter Calamari recipe brings you crispy fried squid coated in a light, crunchy mixture of polenta, rice flour, and cornflour. Paired with a rich and spicy chili-infused butter sauce, it’s a luxurious yet simple dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or as a flavorful treat for yourself. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Squid:

• 10 2/3 oz (300g) squid (cleaned weight)

• 3 1/2 fl oz (100ml) milk

• 5 1/3 oz (150g) polenta

• 3 1/2 oz (100g) rice flour

• 1 3/4 oz (50g) cornflour

• 1 1/16 pint (600ml) vegetable oil for deep-frying

For the Hot Butter Sauce:

• 4 1/4 oz (120g) butter

• 1 1/2 tbsp chili flakes

• 1 bunch spring onions (5–7 stalks), finely sliced

• 1 hot Turkish pepper, sliced into 1 cm thick pieces

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

Directions

1. Prepare the Squid:
   Slice the squid bodies into 1.5 cm rings. For decorative flowers, make small slits along one side of each ring. Place the squid rings and tentacles into a bowl and cover them with milk. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 9 hours).

2. Make the Hot Butter Sauce:
   In a frying pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the chili flakes, spring onions, Turkish pepper, garlic, and salt. Cook until the butter foams and then turns brown and nutty. Pour the butter into a bowl and set aside.

3. Prepare the Coating:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the polenta, rice flour, and cornflour. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan to 3-4 cm depth over medium-high heat. Test with a pinch of flour; if it sizzles, the oil is hot.

4. Fry the Squid:
   Drain the squid and coat them in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Carefully drop a few pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 1 minute until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain. Repeat with the remaining squid.

5. Finish the Dish:
   Once all the squid is fried, add them to the pan with the hot butter sauce over medium heat. Stir to coat the squid evenly and warm them through.

6. Serve:
   Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrients

• Calories: 383 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 43.4g

• Protein: 27.9g

• Fat: 11g

• Saturated Fat: 4.8g

• Cholesterol: 114mg

• Sodium: 738mg

• Potassium: 388mg

• Fiber: 7.3g

• Sugar: 1.2g

• Calcium: 90mg

• Iron: 11mg

The Crispy Squid: A Perfectly Light Coating

The squid itself is the star of this dish, and the method of preparing it ensures a crispy, tender bite with every piece. By slicing the squid into rings and letting them chill in milk, you tenderize the squid while also allowing the batter to stick more effectively. The milk helps draw out any excess moisture, ensuring that the coating stays crisp during frying. The polenta, rice flour, and cornflour create a light but crunchy batter that gives the squid its golden, crispy exterior. This mixture provides just the right amount of texture without being overly heavy, allowing the delicate flavor of the squid to shine through.

The squid is quick to fry, ensuring that the exterior remains crunchy while the inside stays soft and tender. The shallow fry method in vegetable oil allows for even cooking, resulting in a crisp outer layer with a perfectly cooked center. The use of a slotted spoon to remove the squid ensures that excess oil is drained, keeping the dish light and flavorful.

The Hot Butter Sauce: Flavorful and Spicy

The hot butter sauce is what truly elevates this dish to the next level. By infusing butter with chili flakes, garlic, spring onions, and Turkish pepper, you create a rich, fragrant sauce that adds both heat and depth to the calamari. As the butter melts and foams, it turns a golden brown, developing a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the squid. The chili flakes add a spicy kick that warms the palate, while the spring onions provide a touch of sweetness and freshness. The Turkish pepper, sliced into thick pieces, adds a smoky heat that enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Once the squid is fried, it is added to the hot butter sauce, allowing the calamari to soak up all the flavors. The sauce clings to each piece of squid, making every bite a burst of flavor. The richness of the butter combined with the heat from the chili and garlic creates a perfectly balanced sauce that coats the crispy squid with a silky, spicy sheen.

A Simple, Quick Dish for Any Occasion

Hot Butter Calamari is quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or a special dinner when you want something elegant without spending too much time in the kitchen. The squid can be prepped and marinated in milk for up to 9 hours, allowing you to make it ahead of time. The frying process takes only a few minutes, and the hot butter sauce comes together effortlessly in a single pan.

Because it’s so flavorful, this dish doesn’t require many sides. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce. If you’re serving it as a main dish, a side of steamed vegetables or a simple pasta would complement the calamari beautifully.

Customization Options for Hot Butter Calamari

While this recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of chili flakes and Turkish pepper to reduce the heat. For those who enjoy extra spice, feel free to increase the chili flakes or add some fresh red chilies to the butter sauce.

If you’re looking for a slightly lighter version, you can substitute the butter with olive oil for a less indulgent but still flavorful option. You could also experiment with different spices in the butter sauce, such as smoked paprika or cumin, to create a unique flavor profile.

Additionally, for a more robust flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine to the butter sauce before serving. This will add brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the butter and creating a more complex flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Butter Calamari can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate the dish:

• As an appetizer: Serve the calamari as a starter for a Mediterranean-themed dinner. Pair it with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed in olive oil and lemon for a refreshing contrast.

• As a main course: For a more substantial meal, serve the calamari over a bed of linguine or any pasta of your choice. The creamy butter sauce will coat the pasta beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish.

• With dipping bread: Offer some crusty bread on the side to soak up the leftover hot butter sauce. This is perfect for those who love to dip and savor every bit of the sauce.

• With vegetables: For a complete meal, pair the calamari with steamed vegetables like asparagus or roasted bell peppers. The freshness of the vegetables will balance the richness of the calamari.

Nutritional Information

Hot Butter Calamari provides a satisfying, flavorful dish with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. With 383 calories per serving, it’s a relatively indulgent dish, but the high protein content (27.9g) from the squid makes it a filling option. The carbohydrates (43.4g) come mainly from the flour used to coat the squid, while the fats (11g) come primarily from the butter used in the sauce. The dish is also high in potassium (388mg) and provides a good amount of iron (11mg) thanks to the squid and the seasonings.

While this dish is rich, it also offers a number of beneficial nutrients, including protein, calcium, and fiber, making it a delicious yet satisfying choice for any seafood lover.

Conclusion

Hot Butter Calamari is a simple yet luxurious dish that brings together the perfect combination of crispy fried squid and a rich, spicy butter sauce. With just a few ingredients, this recipe transforms squid into an elegant and flavorful treat that is sure to impress. The crispy texture, the richness of the butter sauce, and the heat from the chili make this dish both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or just craving a flavorful seafood treat, Hot Butter Calamari is a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.