Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid

Name: Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh calamari (cleaned and sliced into rings); 1/2 cup rice flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste); Vegetable oil for frying; Lemon wedges for serving

Published: February 6, 2026

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid

This incredible Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid:

Fresh Calamari: Opt for cleaned squid tubes that are tender and firm; they will fry up beautifully.
Rice Flour: This secret ingredient is key for that ultra-crisp coating; it’s lighter than regular flour.
Cornstarch: Pair this with rice flour for even more crunchiness; it’s a game changer!
Salt and Pepper: Use freshly cracked black pepper for maximum flavor; don’t skimp on seasoning!
Chili Flakes: For those who like it spicy! Adjust according to your heat preference.
Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brings out all those delightful flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid:

Step 1: Prepare the Squid

Begin by slicing the cleaned calamari into rings about half an inch thick. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels—nobody enjoys soggy squid!

Step 2: Create Your Coating

In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts rice flour and cornstarch along with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Toss well until everything is evenly mixed—a little dance party in your bowl never hurt anyone!

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a deep frying pan or pot, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the squid rings completely and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering—careful not to burn yourself in the process!

Step 4: Coat and Fry

Toss the calamari rings into the flour mixture until evenly coated. Then gently drop them into the hot oil (a splash zone warning might be necessary here!). Fry in small batches for about two minutes or until golden brown—resist the urge to overcrowd!

Step 5: Drain and Season

Once crispy, remove them using a slotted spoon and place them onto paper towels to drain excess oil while sprinkling immediately with extra salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve with Style

Transfer those golden beauties onto a serving platter alongside lemon wedges for squeezing over—because nothing says “I’m fancy!” quite like freshly squeezed lemon juice drizzled on crispy squid.

Now grab your friends (or eat it all yourself—I won’t judge) because this Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid is ready to impress everyone around you! Enjoy each crunch as if it’s an exclusive secret just between you and this glorious dish.

You Must Know About Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid

This showstopping Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by prepping your squid: clean and slice it into rings. Next, mix the seasoning while heating oil in a deep pan. Once the oil is hot, coat the squid in your seasoned flour mixture and fry until golden brown.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out the pepper for a spicier chili powder or add a hint of garlic powder for extra flavor. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil after cooking for a fresh twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover squid in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, place it in an air fryer for a few minutes to regain that delicious crispiness without becoming soggy.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid

This professional-quality Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

I remember the first time I made Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid; my friends devoured it so fast I thought I was going to need a backup supply! Their compliments filled my heart with joy—and my kitchen with chaos!

FAQs

What is Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid?

Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid is a delightful seafood dish that features squid rings coated in a light, crispy batter. This dish is seasoned with a blend of salt and black pepper, giving it an irresistible flavor. It is often served as an appetizer or snack, paired with dipping sauces like sweet chili or garlic aioli. The key to achieving the truly crispy texture lies in the frying method and the quality of the squid used. When prepared correctly, this dish offers a crunchy exterior while maintaining tender squid inside.

How do I make Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid at home?

To make Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid at home, start by cleaning and slicing fresh squid into rings. Prepare a batter using cornstarch, flour, and spices for extra flavor. Dip the squid rings into the batter, ensuring they are well coated. Heat oil in a deep pan until hot, then fry the squid in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving with your favorite dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment.

What ingredients do I need for Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid?

To prepare Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid, gather the following ingredients: fresh squid, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder (optional), and vegetable oil for frying. You can also include chopped green onions or chilies for added flavor and garnish. Having these ingredients on hand will ensure you create the perfect balance of flavors and textures that define this popular dish.

Can I use frozen squid for Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid?

Yes, you can use frozen squid for making Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid. However, it’s essential to thaw the squid completely before preparation. Once thawed, rinse it under cold water and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial because moisture can lead to sogginess when frying. Following these tips will help you achieve that desired crispy texture even when using frozen seafood.

Conclusion

In summary, Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid is an easy-to-make dish that brings together simple ingredients for a delicious result. By utilizing fresh or properly thawed squid and following the right frying techniques, you can enjoy this crunchy treat at home. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, it pairs beautifully with various dipping sauces. Try making Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid for your next gathering; your guests will love its crispy texture and bold flavors!