There’s something irresistible about crispy fried calamari paired with a cool, refreshing dip. When you add tzatziki, the creamy, tangy cucumber yogurt sauce that’s a staple of Greek cuisine, the combination becomes a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer you’ll crave again and again.
The calamari is the star of this dish – tender, lightly battered, and golden brown, with just the right amount of crunch. The key to perfect fried calamari is in the batter: light, crispy, and seasoned with just enough salt and pepper to complement the sweet, delicate flavor of the squid. When fried to perfection, each piece is a satisfying contrast of crispy exterior and tender interior.
What really makes this dish special is the tzatziki. The cool, creamy yogurt is balanced with the freshness of cucumber, a touch of garlic, and a hint of lemon, making it the perfect dip to cut through the richness of the fried calamari. The tangy flavors of the tzatziki pair beautifully with the calamari, enhancing its natural sweetness while adding a burst of freshness.
This dish is perfect as an appetizer for a Mediterranean meal or as a light main course. It’s ideal for summer gatherings or cozy evenings at home when you want something flavorful but not too heavy. The crispy calamari and creamy tzatziki are also perfect for sharing, making it a crowd-pleaser at dinner parties or casual get-togethers.
You can elevate this dish by serving it with a side of fresh greens or a lemon wedge for an extra burst of flavor. For those who love a bit of heat, a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of paprika can add an extra kick.
Fried Calamari with Tzatziki is simple, delicious, and the perfect way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Crispy, tender, and creamy – what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 1 pound calamari cleaned and sliced into rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber grated and squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh
- 1 tbsp dill chopped fresh
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- Dip the calamari rings into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, and carefully drop them into the hot oil.
- Fry the calamari until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Transfer the fried calamari to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well to make tzatziki sauce.
- Serve the fried calamari with tzatziki sauce on the side.
- Enjoy!
I don’t get why people like calamari. It’s just chewy rings!
I totally get what you mean! Calamari can be a bit weird, but it’s all about the sauce. Tzatziki makes it so much better!
Chewy rings? More like delicious bites! It’s just a matter of taste. You might not like seafood at all, huh?
Is it supposed to be soggy? Mine didn’t turn out right at all.
Fried calamari is like the best! Tzatziki is the perfect dip. 👍
Great recipe! I added some chili flakes and it gave it an extra kick. Sooooo good!
This is good but I think 1 cup flour is too much for 1 pound? Mine felt thick and heavy. Maybe it’s just my cutting thickness.
Question: do you really need cayenne? I used extra black pepper instead and it still tasted great. I feel like cayenne would overpower the calamari.
I dunno, I found the calamari chewy and the seasoning a bit off. Maybe I did something wrong, but I won’t be making it again.
Made this last night—so crispy! I also patted the calamari extra dry before dredging and it really helped. Tzatziki is super fresh.
Call me skeptical, but frying calamari for only 2-3 minutes seems too short. I expected it to be rubbery, but surprisingly it was fine.
Took me back to my trip to Greece! I could eat this every day. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Cornmeal + flour combo is a nice touch. Mine browned a bit faster than 2-3 minutes, so I’d say keep an eye on it. Tzatziki came out great—my garlic level was spot on.
Why do people eat squid? It’s gross! Can’t believe anyone would like this.
I used instant cornmeal? idk it was whatever I had and it was crunchy but weirdly gritty. Could be my fault. Sauce still good.
This was so good! The calamari came out perfectly crispy. The tzatziki added a nice cooling effect. Will definitely make again! 😋
Simple and delicious! My family loved it. I added some extra garlic in the dip for flavor. Yum!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Extra garlic is always a great idea for flavor. What do you think about maybe adding a bit of lemon zest next time?
Soo good! My kids loved it, and they usually hate seafood! It’s a win! 🥳
Seems too simple? I followed it exactly and mine was kind of bland. I forgot to squeeze the cucumber enough (oops) so the tzatziki was watery. Flavor improved with more dill and pepper.
That definitely tracks—tzatziki can get watery fast if the cucumber isn’t squeezed dry. I’ve started salting the grated cucumber too and pressing it again with paper towels.
I don’t know about this recipe. Is there a reason the calamari is sliced? Whole ones taste better
Nah, sliced is better for frying! Whole ones take longer and can be rubbery. This recipe sounds good to me!
I get what you’re saying! Whole calamari definitely have a richer flavor, but sliced ones cook faster and get crispy better. It’s a trade-off! 🦑
I tried this, but the calamari turned out so chewy! What am I doing wrong? 😕
I love calamari but never made it myself. This recipe was simple and satisfying!