Calamares a la Romana, or Spanish-style fried calamari, is a beloved dish served in tapas bars across Spain. Known for its light, crispy coating and tender squid rings, this dish is a staple along the Spanish coast, where fresh seafood is part of daily life. In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic Calamares a la Romana at home, bringing the flavours of Spain’s seaside towns straight to your kitchen.
What makes Calamares a la Romana so irresistible is its simplicity. Fresh squid rings are coated in a light flour batter and fried until golden, resulting in a texture that is crunchy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside. With just a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt, you get a dish that is refreshing, satisfying, and undeniably delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a tapas night, planning appetisers for a dinner party, or craving a quick and tasty seafood snack, this recipe is easy to prepare and always impresses. It captures the essence of Spanish cuisine – simple, fresh, and focused on highlighting high-quality ingredients.
Read here best Spanish food and best breakfast in Spain
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Best Time To Eat
Calamares a la Romana is best enjoyed as a midday tapa, appetiser, or light dinner, especially during warm weather when fried seafood and chilled drinks make the perfect combination.
Best Dishes To Partner
Pair your Calamares a la Romana with patatas bravas, garlic aioli, pan con tomate, or a fresh green salad. For drinks, serve it with a cold Spanish beer, crisp white wine like Albariño, or a refreshing glass of sangria to complete your tapas experience.
How to Make How To Make Calamares A la Romana
Calamares A la Romana Recipe Ingredients
1 pound (500g) squid, cleaned and cut into rings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cold sparkling water or beer
Vegetable oil for frying
Lemon wedges for serving
Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
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Step By Step How to Make Calamares A la Romana
Prepare the Squid
If not already done, clean the squid by removing the head, innards, and cartilage. Rinse thoroughly under cold water.
Cut the squid bodies into rings about 1/2 inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water or beer until you achieve a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the squid rings but still pourable.
Heat the Oil
In a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Squid
Working in batches, dip the squid rings into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully lower the battered squid rings into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the squid rings from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Repeat the process with the remaining squid rings, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent.
Serve
Arrange the fried calamari on a serving platter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Optionally, serve with a dipping sauce such as aioli, marinara, or a simple garlic mayonnaise.
Tips To Make Calamares A la Romana
Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to ensure the calamari cooks evenly and becomes crispy without becoming greasy. The batter should be cold and slightly thick. If it’s too thin, add a bit more flour; if it’s too thick, add a little more sparkling water or beer.
Make sure the squid rings are well-dried before dipping them into the batter to ensure the batter adheres properly. Calamares a la Romana is best served hot and fresh for optimal crispiness.
How Many Calories Have Calamares A la Romana
Squid: 100 calories
Flour and Cornstarch: 150 calories
Baking Powder and Seasonings: 10 calories
Sparkling Water/Beer: 50 calories
Oil for Frying (absorbed): 150 calories
Total Estimated Calories per Serving: Approximately 460 calories
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.