J-Bay Style Deep-fried Calamari – Seafood should always taste this good

Jeffreys Bay is one of South Africa’s most popular holiday destinations. There are many reasons to visit J-Bay. There is an abundance of wildlife, water-sports and of course, there is the food. The calamari is the most popular seafood item there, usually fried or grilled. Our J-Bay Style Deep-fried Calamari will have you excited to visit that beautiful destination again.

J-Bay Style Deep-fried Calamari is a lot easier to make than you think. This recipe is without the batter, super delicious, and very filling. You do however need to make sure that your oil is hot enough at a constant 190°C / 374°F. Also, make sure that you have a safe space to work with the hot oil and that no small children around. You will also be making a delicious, homemade tartar sauce to add some tang to the calamari rings.

This tasty meal is perfect at home or when you can find fresh calamari on your next holiday there. Serve with rice and condiments of your choice. Even the fishermen will be jealous of this J-Bay Style Deep-fried Calamari recipe.

Pin

Print

J-Bay Style Deep Fried Calamari

0 from 0 votes

Recipe by Irene Muller Course: Lunch, DinnerCuisine: GlobalDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp paprika

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tbsp mixed Italian herbs  (optional) You can use Fish Spices of your choice)

• 1 litre vegetable oil for frying

• 800 g frozen calamari rings, thawed and drained, making sure all the little membranes are removed.  Read the instructions on the packet. 

• salt to taste

• FOR SERVING

• Cooked rice of your choice and chopped fresh parley added before serving

• melted garlic butter with lemon juice

• 1 lemon, quartered

• Tartar sauce

• HOMEMADE TARTAR SAUCE

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 small dill pickle, chopped very small, 

• fresh lemon juice to taste

• capers, chopped (optional) just a few

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried dill 

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• salt & freshly ground black pepper

Method

• DEEP FRY THE CALAMARI
• Mix the flour and spices together in a bowl with a lid or a large zip-lock plastic bag.
• Add all the calamari rings into the bowl or bag, close, and shake well, ensuring all the calamari rings are covered with the flour mixture.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 190°C / 374°F  THE OIL MUST BE HOT.
• Working in batches, fry calamari rings in the hot oil. No more than 6 to 10 at a time, Add the rings to the hot oil, as soon as they come up to the surface, count to 10, turn over and remove to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon.  Serve immediately if you can.
• Continue until all is done. The oil must be hot. This will ensure calamari to be crispy and yummy.
• TIP: Have your rice and all of your condiments ready.
• HOMEMADE TARTAR SAUCE
• Combine all the ingredients, taste, add more lemon juice or herbs.  Let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @the.south.african on Instagram and hashtag it #recipes

Like this recipe?

Follow us @thesouthafrican on Pinterest

Looking for more amazing seafood dishes? We have excellent suggestions for you to try, just check out our recipes.