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Keto Calamari 🦑

Published: · Updated: by · 5 Comments

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If you're a squid enthusiast, get ready for a real treat! We've mastered the art of creating the most irresistible, crunchy Keto Calamari appetizer, perfectly complemented by a delectable harissa mayo dipping sauce. Whether it's a dinner party or a simple weeknight indulgence, this recipe will surely satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Keto Calamari in a tray with sliced peppers and a dipping sauce
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Preparation and cooking overview

Get ready to savor the crispy goodness of our low-carb calamari! Start by slicing the squid into rings, then dip them in an egg mixture and coat them with a low-carb flour mixture. After that, it's time for a quick fry in hot oil until they turn beautifully golden and crispy. In just about 20 minutes, you'll have a mouthwatering squid sensation ready to be enjoyed!

Chef's note

For a delightful twist, use almond flour or a combination of almond and coconut flour. This will create a wonderfully crispy coating for the calamari. Also, feel free to experiment with the sauce. We suggest a tasty Tzatziki or a creamy Jalapeno sauce.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🦑 Ingredients for this Keto Calamari recipe

  • 1 pound fresh or frozen squid, thawed and cleaned
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ cup avocado oil for frying

Harissa mayo

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon prepared harissa paste

Ingredient substitutions

  • Coconut flour: If you prefer an alternative to coconut flour, try almond flour or a flaxseed meal.
  • Avocado oil: While it is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point, substitute it with coconut oil or olive oil.
  • Harissa paste: If you don't have harissa paste on hand, use a combination of chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a dash of garlic powder to achieve a similar spicy flavor profile.

Additional ingredients

  • Minced cilantro: Add freshness to your calamari with cilantro.
  • Sliced Fresno chili: If you want to spice things up with a hint of heat and vibrant color, add Fresno chili.
  • Lime: Enhance the flavors of this dish with a squeeze of lime.

Cookin tools required

To make this Keto Calamari recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Small bowls
  • Knife
  • 10" or larger cast-iron skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Serving platter

How to make Keto Calamari: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Frying

Preparation steps

  1. Thaw and clean the fresh or frozen squid, ensuring it is properly defrosted if frozen.
  2. Pre-measure the coconut flour, sea salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder before starting the recipe.
  3. Slice the squid into rings, separating the tentacles if desired.
  4. Prepare any additional optional ingredients such as minced cilantro, sliced Fresno chili, or a squeeze of lime for topping.
  5. In a small bowl, beat the egg.
  6. In another bowl, combine coconut flour, sea salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the flour mixture.
  7. Ensure the squid is properly dried before proceeding with the recipe.

Cooking instructions

  1. In a small bowl, beat the egg. In another bowl, combine the coconut flour and spices.
  2. Pat the squid dry and dip it into the beaten egg, then dredge through the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  3. Heat the oil in a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Frying in batches, ensure not to overcrowd the skillet, and fry for 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Pat dry on paper towels.
  5. Either serve as is or toss with cilantro, chilis, and lime and serve with the harissa mayo.

Chef's pro tip

Before coating the squid with batter, be sure to gently dry it off and remove any excess liquid. This will ensure that the batter sticks well to the calamari. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying for perfectly crispy and non-greasy keto-fried calamari. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of breaded calamari into the oil - if it sizzles and turns golden within seconds, you're good to go! Enjoy your deliciously crispy calamari!

raw squid getting breaded

What to serve with keto calamari?

Here are some delightful keto-friendly food pairings that perfectly complement this keto seafood recipe:

  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the calamari for a tangy and refreshing flavor.
  • Enjoy it with a side of low-carb Tzatziki, zesty Mango Salsa, or flavorful Olive Tapenade for a delightful dipping experience.
  • For a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, try serving the calamari with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Alongside the keto calamari, you can serve additional refreshing side salad options, including a refreshing Arugula Salad or a delightful Asian Cucumber Salad for an extra kick of flavor.

How to make it healthier?

Here are some suggestions to make the keto calamari dish even healthier:

  • Bake instead of fry: Instead of deep-frying the calamari, try baking it in the oven. This will significantly reduce the amount of added fat and calories.
  • Use healthier oils: If you choose to fry the calamari, opt for healthier oils like avocado oil or coconut oil, which have higher smoke points and are more suitable for frying.
  • Reduce salt: Limit the amount of salt used in the batter and dipping sauces to make the dish lower in sodium.
  • Serve with light sides: Pair the calamari with lighter sides like a refreshing salad or keto-friendly sauces to balance the meal and add more nutrients.

Time-saving tips

  • To save time, use pre-cut squid rings and skip the slicing step altogether.
  • For efficiency, prepare larger quantities of squid in advance and freeze the extras in portioned bags. This way, you'll have pre-prepared squid ready to use whenever you need it.
  • Maximize your time in the kitchen by preparing the next batch of squid while one is frying. This will help you make the most of your cooking time and have the delicious calamari ready in no time!

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Before cooking, make sure to thaw frozen squid in the refrigerator. Additionally, ensure that the squid is thoroughly cleaned and pat-dried to avoid any delays in the cooking process.
  • Prepare the Harissa Mayo by mixing mayonnaise and harissa paste in advance and store it in the refrigerator until serving.
  • If you're planning to use the optional ingredients, pre-slice garnishes like minced cilantro, sliced Fresno chili, and lime juice.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instruction

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
  • Refrigerate the calamari within two hours of cooking to ensure freshness.
  • It's best to consume the refrigerated leftovers within 2-3 days.
  • Place the fried calamari in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Reheating instructions

  • To reheat the frozen calamari rings, use an oven or toaster oven for the best results.
  • Preheat the oven to around 350°F (175°C) and place the calamari on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Reheat for about 5-7 minutes until the calamari is warmed through and crispy (again).

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Enjoy the perfect blend of crispy and tender Keto Calamari, served alongside a delectable Harissa Mayo Dip. Whether you're impressing your guests or treating yourself to a delightful keto-friendly snack, this dish won't disappoint!

More Keto seafood recipes:

Frequently asked questions

Yes, squid is a nutritious seafood option. It is a good source of protein, low in fat, and contains beneficial nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

To reheat fried calamari, it's best to use an oven or toaster oven for a crispier result. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the calamari on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed.

The calorie content of fried calamari can vary depending on the recipe and cooking method. As a general estimate, fried calamari can range from approximately 250-400 calories per serving.

Yes, calamari is keto-friendly as it is low in carbohydrates and rich in proteins.

📖 Recipe

Keto Calamari in a tray with sliced peppers and a dipping sauce

Keto Calamari

This Keto Calamari is the real deal! Perfectly crunchy and tender it goes great with an easy harissa mayo dipping sauce!
4.62 from 18 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: keto, low carb, seafood
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 286kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh or frozen squid thawed and cleaned
  • 1 larger egg beaten
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Avocado oil for frying (about ¼ cup)
  • Minced cilantro optional, for topping
  • Sliced Fresno chili optional, for topping
  • Squeeze of lime optional, for topping

Harissa Mayo

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon prepared harissa paste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a small bowl beat the egg. In another bowl combine the coconut flour and spices.
  • Pat the squid dry and dip into the beaten egg then dredge through the flour mixture.
  • Heat the oil in a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Frying in batches making sure to not overcrowd the skillet, fry 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels
  • Either serve as is or toss with cilantro, chilis, and lime and serve with the harissa mayo.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Calamari
Amount Per Serving
Calories 286 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 311mg104%
Sodium 818mg36%
Potassium 319mg9%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 6g25%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 22g44%
Vitamin A 369IU7%
Vitamin C 6mg7%
Calcium 42mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ラヘラ says

    My son said "Mmmmmn this is good", which is good. ?
    ありがとうございます。Arigatougozaimasu. Ta. ?

    Reply

  2. John Carr says

    The coconut flour did not adhere to the calamari. There was quickly a collection of overly browned flour at the bottom of the pan. We tried with egg wash and then flour. Then we tried flour, egg wash, flour. Neither method worked for us.

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi John, I hate that this recipe didn't work for you! A few things, did you make sure to dry off the squid before breading? Was your oil hot enough that they sizzled right when the pieces were dropped into the oil? Did you substitute any ingredients?

      Reply

    • Cherie Gwilliam says

      Same here

      Reply

  3. Kimberly says

    5 stars
    This is fabulous! You are correct the key to crispy is removing all of the liquid prior to battering. It takes a lot of paper towels!

    Reply

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