Fried Calamari Sandwich Recipe (Bocadillo de Calamares)

two fried calamari sandwiches on a board.

5 from 2 votes

Fried Calamari Sandwich Recipe (Bocadillo de Calamares)

This classic calamari sandwich is the culinary symbol of Madrid! Make your own bocadillo de calamares at home with just a handful of simple ingredients.

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Marinate10

Total Time15

Course: Main

Cuisine: Spanish

Servings: servings

Calories: 714.15kcal

Author: Lauren Aloise

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
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic crushed

US Customary - Metric

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