Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450 g) fresh squid, cleaned and cut into rings
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or milk for soaking)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a pot to 2 inches)
  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Clean squid, removing the innards and cartilage, and cut into ½-inch rings.
  2. Soak the squid in buttermilk for 30 minutes (for tenderness).
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat (to 350°F / 175°C).
  5. Remove the squid from the buttermilk and allow excess to drip off.
  6. Dredge the squid rings in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring even coverage.
  7. Carefully add a batch of squid rings to hot oil (do not overcrowd). Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Remove with tongs or a spider strainer, and drain on paper towels.
  9. Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley if desired.