Transport yourself to Spain with Madrid's famous fried calamari sandwich recipe. The humble bocadillo de calamares (fried calamari sandwich) is the real culinary symbol of Madrid, and it's something that you'll love!
If you love calamari, don't miss these recipes for black paella and calamares fritos!
Introduction
The most famous food in Madrid isn't patatas bravas, roast suckling pig, or flan--it's the bocadillo de calamares. This sandwich doesn't look impressive: it's just a crusty bread roll with a few rings of breaded and fried calamari inside. But with one bite, you'll be convinced that it's amazing!
The secret to a good calamari sandwich recipe is the simplicity. It's bread, calamari, and a light and creamy alioli that's packed with garlic. It's quick, easy, cheap, and better than the sum of its parts!
But finding a good calamari sandwich isn't always easy. There are plenty of bad versions out there, even in Madrid! Soggy, greasy calamari, stale and chewy bread, and alioli from a packet... the crimes against bocadillos are heinous indeed.
Luckily, making your own version at home is super simple! In no time at all, you can bring the taste of Madrid into your kitchen with only a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients
Curious what you need to recreate these famous fried calamari sandwiches at home? Grab these key ingredients, and you'll be ready to start cooking!
- Calamari Rings: Use meaty, good quality squid that is prepped for you or cleaned and sliced on your own.
- Milk: You'll need to soak the calamari in milk to tenderize it. I like this method better than soaking it in lemon juice.
- Alioli: You'll make your own with garlic, olive oil, and egg yolk--this is literally the secret sauce to making your bocadillo mouthwatering!
- Bread Rolls: Choose a good quality, fresh white bread roll with an oblong shape (like a hoagie roll). This is the foundation for your sandwich.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make a Madrid-Style Fried Calamari Sandwich
If you’d like to see the full ingredients and instructions, scroll to the bottom of the post for the printable recipe card.
- Soak the calamari rings in milk for 2 hours to tenderize. (image 1)
- Combine the flour, paprika, and black pepper in a bowl. (image 2)
- Rinse and pat dry the calamari with paper towels, then dip the rings in the flour mixture and fry in hot oil in batches until golden. (image 3)
- Drain the calamari rings on paper towels. (image 4)
- Make the homemade alioli, then assemble the sandwiches. Drizzle the fried calamari with the alioli. (image 5)
- Enjoy these bocadillos de calamares hot and fresh with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice! (image 6)
Recipe FAQs
Calamari sandwich, or bocadillo de calamares, originates from the Spanish city of Madrid. In fact, it's one of the best known foods in the city!
The typical calamari sandwich in Madrid consists of a good quality bread roll, good quality breaded and fried calamari rings, and a drizzle of garlicky alioli.
According to my recipe, there's about 714 calories in one calamari sandwich. This can vary depending on the ingredients and amounts in each sandwich and is only an estimate. Even though this sandwich is indulgent, it's a wonderful treat to enjoy occasionally!
Serve
This bocadillo de calamares (fried calamari sandwich) is a hearty, tasty meal on its own! But if you want to round it out, serve it with something light and healthy like an ensalada mixta (Spanish tossed salad), melon gazpacho, or Spanish hummus.
Expert Tips
- You can either buy the calamari in pre-cut rings or whole. If you choose to buy it whole, make sure to clean it properly or ask for it to be prepared for you. Look for a squid with a little more substance so it doesn't dry out when you go to fry it.
- To prepare the squid, it's important to let them first marinate in lemon juice to tenderize. (You can also use milk). Dry them completely with paper towel before frying, otherwise, they might go soggy or shed the batter.
- Make the alioli your own by adding spices like smoked paprika, chili, lime, or whatever takes your fancy.
Other Sandwiches You'll Love
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Fried Calamari Sandwich Recipe (Bocadillo de Calamares)
Ingredients
For the Calamari & Sandwich
- 1 pound calamari cleaned and sliced into ¼-inch rings
- milk for soaking the calamari
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- salt
- olive oil for frying
- 2 oblong bread rolls like hoagie rolls
- 1 lemon sliced into wedges
For Garlic Alioli
- 1 medium egg at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic crushed
Instructions
- Place the calamari rings in a large mixing bowl and cover with milk, then place in the fridge for at least 2 hours to tenderize. (Alternatively, you can marinate with lemon juice for 10 minutes, though this isn't quite as effective and can be harder to dry.)
- Combine the flour, paprika, and black pepper in a bowl. Rinse the calamari in water and then dry by patting the pieces between 2 paper towels.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add an inch of olive oil. Carefully dip the calamari rings in the flour mixture and fry 5-6 at a time in the olive oil. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on both sides, then remove from the pan when golden and drain on paper towels.
- To prepare the aioli, combine the egg, salt, lemon juice and crushed garlic with a stick blender (immersion blender). Place the stick blender at the base of the bowl, and blend at high speed, slowly adding the olive oil. When it starts to combine into a mayonnaise, carefully and slowly pull the stick blender upwards and remove when the alioli is emulsified and thick.
- To prepare the bocadillo, cut the bread roll in half, place a few rings of calamari on one side, and top with two spoonfuls of the aioli. Serve with a wedge of lemon and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can either buy the calamari in pre-cut rings or whole. If you choose to buy it whole, make sure to clean it properly or ask for it to be prepared for you. Look for a squid with a little more substance so it doesn't dry out when you go to fry it.
- To prepare the squid, it's important to let them first marinate in lemon juice to tenderize. (You can also use milk). Dry them completely with paper towel before frying, otherwise, they might go soggy or shed the batter.
- Make the alioli your own by adding spices like smoked paprika, chili, lime, or whatever takes your fancy.
Nutrition
Photography by Giulia Verdinelli
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