I love the simplicity of this Spanish Fried Squid Rolls (Bocadillos ) or
Bocadillo De Calamares : Calamari, garlic mayo, crusty bread. Done. You don’t need any more, well, ok, a little lemon juice.
They serve this at about every bar in Spain. Have a cold beer, and some potatoes brava, and you would be living like a local Spaniard.
The History of Spanish Fried Squid Bocadillo:
The history of the Spanish fried squid bocadillo, known as bocadillo de calamares, is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Spain, particularly in Madrid. This iconic sandwich has become a beloved street food, often enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The origins of this dish can be traced back to the coastal regions of Spain, where fresh seafood is abundant and a staple in the local diet. Over time, the simple yet delicious combination of fried squid and bread made its way to the bustling capital city, where it quickly gained popularity.
The key to crafting a stellar bocadillo de calamares lies in the use of fresh, quality ingredients. The squid, or calamari, must be impeccably fresh to ensure the best texture and flavor. Fry the squid rings in hot oil until they attain a golden, crisp perfection, which usually takes just a few minutes. After draining them well on paper towels to remove any excess oil, generously season with salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the natural flavors of the squid. The bread, typically a crusty baguette or similar type, should be warm and slightly toasted to provide the perfect contrast to the tender squid.
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Spanish Fried Squid Bocadillo - Outcome
The outcome is a sandwich that embodies crunchiness, juiciness, flavorfulness, and overall satisfaction, transporting you to the vibrant streets of Madrid.
Once assembled, the sandwich is often served with a variety of sauces, such as aioli or a simple garlic mayonnaise, to add an extra layer of richness. The outcome is a sandwich that embodies crunchiness, juiciness, flavorfulness, and overall satisfaction, transporting you to the vibrant streets of Madrid with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a hearty meal, the bocadillo de calamares remains a quintessential part of Spanish cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity and deliciousness.
Delicious Spanish Fried Squid Bocadillo de Calamares ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen squid rings (calamari)
- All-purpose flour
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Milk
- Olive oil
- Bread rolls
- Lemon wedges
- Alioli (garlic mayonnaise)
- If using frozen squid rings, ensure they’re fully thawed and pat them dry with paper towels. For fresh squid, clean and cut them into 1/4 inch rings or purchase pre-cleaned ones from the fishmonger.
- Place the squid rings in a large bowl, covering them with milk. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally overnight, for enhanced tenderness, juiciness, and flavor.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, paprika, pepper, and salt. Drain the squid rings and coat them thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the squid rings in batches for approximately 2 minutes per side or until they achieve a golden, crisp texture. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with additional salt if needed.
- Cut the bread rolls in half and lightly toast them if desired. Spread alioli on both halves of each roll, fill with the fried squid rings, and serve with lemon wedges for that extra zing. Enjoy the taste of Madrid right at home!
Why the Delicious Spanish Fried Squid Bocadillo de Calamares works:
This sandwich is:
-Crispy: The squid rings are coated in a light and crunchy batter, giving each bite a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior.
-Juicy: The squid rings are marinated in milk to make them tender and moist, ensuring that they remain succulent and flavorful even after frying.
-Flavorful: The squid rings are seasoned with paprika, pepper, and salt for a simple but delicious taste, creating a harmonious blend of spices that enhances the natural flavor of the squid.
-Creamy: The alioli adds a rich and garlicky touch that complements the squid perfectly, providing a smooth and luscious texture that elevates the overall taste experience.
-Tangy: The lemon wedges add a burst of freshness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the mayo, balancing the flavors and adding a zesty kick that brightens up each bite.
Delicious Spanish Fried Squid Bocadillo de Calamares Tips and tricks:
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- Make your own alioli by blending mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil until smooth and creamy. This homemade sauce can be customized to your taste by adding spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or a splash of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor. The combination of these ingredients will create a rich and tangy condiment that elevates any dish.
- Make your own alioli by blending mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil until smooth and creamy. This homemade sauce can be customized to your taste by adding spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or a splash of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor. The combination of these ingredients will create a rich and tangy condiment that elevates any dish.
- Use other types of bread instead of bread rolls, such as a crusty baguette, a soft and airy ciabatta, or a tangy sourdough. Each type of bread brings its own unique texture and flavor, allowing you to tailor your sandwich to your personal preference. Experimenting with different breads can transform a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience.
- Use other types of bread instead of bread rolls, such as a crusty baguette, a soft and airy ciabatta, or a tangy sourdough. Each type of bread brings its own unique texture and flavor, allowing you to tailor your sandwich to your personal preference. Experimenting with different breads can transform a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience.
- Add some fresh ingredients like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, thinly sliced onion, or sweet roasted peppers to your sandwich for added freshness and crunch. These vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful contrast in texture, making each bite more satisfying and nutritious.
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You can serve your sandwich with some patatas bravas, which are spicy fried potatoes, or a refreshing green salad for a complete and balanced meal. The patatas bravas add a touch of heat and a satisfying crunch, while the green salad provides a light and healthy complement to the hearty sandwich. This combination ensures a well-rounded dining experience that is both delicious and fulfilling.
Bocadillo de Calamares (Spanish Fried Squid Rolls)
Equipment
- 1 Toaster
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb uncooked small cleaned squid
- 1/2 lb uncooked small cleaned and deveined shrimp
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour cornstarch or a mix of both, mixed with 1/2 tsp seasoned salt, or just salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 Baguettes or good rolls split (no hot dog buns please—they will disintegrate)
- 2 Tbsp Butter for brushing on bread
- 4 Tbsp Mayonnaise or aioli mixed with 1 tsp. lemon juice, zest of one lemon, 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 lemon - cut into wedges
Instructions
- Whether you use frozen or fresh shrimp and squid, make sure they are dry before frying. You can thaw frozen ones and blot them with paper towels. You can clean fresh squid and slice them into rings about 1/4 inch thick. Alternatively, you can get them pre-cleaned and cut from a fishmonger. You can fry the small tentacles along with the rings.
- To make the squid more tender, juicy and tasty, soak the rings in milk. Put them in a big bowl and cover with milk. Keep them in the fridge for at least two hours or as long as overnight.
- Whisk the flour, paprika, pepper, and salt in a shallow dish. Pat the squid rings dry and coat them with the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Do the same with the shrimp.
- In a large skillet, heat oil to a depth of about 1/2 inch over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the squid rings for about 2 minutes per side, or until they are golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain and season with more salt if desired.
- To make the sandwiches, you can toast the bread rolls after slicing them in half, or leave them as they are. Then, spread some mayonnaise or garlic sauce on both sides of each roll. Add the crispy squid rings to the rolls and squeeze some lemon juice over them. Enjoy your delicious sandwiches.
Notes
- 4 large cloves fresh garlic, peeled and sliced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or other course-grain salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, or more to taste
- ½ cup light, extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon water to adjust texture, or more as needed
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Place garlic slices in a mortar with kosher salt. Mash with the pestle into a fine paste, 4 or 5 minutes. Mix in lemon juice.
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- Add a teaspoon of olive oil; stir and mash until oil is incorporated. Add another teaspoon and mix in thoroughly. Continue incorporating olive oil, teaspoon by teaspoon, mashing and stirring until aioli thickens up. If the aioli gets thicker than you like, add a few drops of water.
Nutrition
Spanish Fried Squid Rolls (Bocadillos )
Bocadillo de Calamares Pairs well with:
