Delicious Pairings: 8 BEST Side Dishes for Fried Calamari

Calamari is the Italian word for squid, which is a type of food.

It can often be fried or grilled.

It has an interesting texture and flavor, which are usually enjoyed by others who have tried it.

There are many different types of calamari – fried, grilled, etc.

Some people like to eat it with salt and pepper, whereas others enjoy it with butter or lemon, which adds a special flavor that anyone can enjoy.

Squid rings are usually dipped in batter and then fried.

It is one of the most popular dishes in many countries and regions.

It is often served during dinner at restaurants, though sometimes only available for fish and chips meals.

Many people merely call it calamari, though the type of preparation is a large factor in its flavor and taste.

When it is fried, the calamari should be crispy and should not be soggy.

The batter can add to its flavor and give it that extra “zing.

” However, if side dishes are served with it, it can take away from the overall experience of having a good meal.

In this article, we will discuss side dishes that should be served along with calamari.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Fried Calamari?

Calamari, or fried squid, is a popular seafood dish that has its origins in Italy.

While the Mediterranean country is still the number one producer of calamari worldwide, other countries have also grown to love it.

The problem with this popular dish is that many people find it difficult to prepare.

It needs to be cleaned and cut correctly before it can be cooked.

The flesh can also turn tough if it is not fried at the right temperature.

When calamari is served as an appetizer, it is often accompanied by a sauce or dip, with some people even choosing to eat it with ketchup.

The simplicity of the dish means that most cooks are not comfortable preparing side dishes for fried calamari.

However, side dishes for fried calamari can make a huge difference.

The flavors of a dish can be heightened by pairing it with the right side, while the texture of the calamari will remain unchanged.

There are dozens of options to choose from when deciding what type of side dish to serve, meaning that cooks have plenty to work with.

What to Serve with Fried Calamari? 8 BEST Side Dishes

So make sure to try these eight side dishes with fried calamari if you want your dinner guests to be impressed.

1 – Steamed Vegetables

Steaming vegetables is a great way to keep them healthy without removing too much of their flavor.

These are incredibly easy, and there are so many different ways to modify them.

Some fresh veggies you can try include broccoli or asparagus.

You can also try adding some garlic or cooking the veggies with chicken broth for extra flavor.

These side dishes for fried calamari are great if you’re trying to eat healthily.

They’re easy enough that they can be part of your regular meal prep routine, and they taste delicious.

If you need some new ways to prepare vegetables, check out these recipes.

2 – Baked Zucchini with Parmesan Cheese

Zucchini is a vegetable that’s great for side dishes because it absorbs flavors while maintaining some of its texture.

In this recipe, it is paired with Parmesan cheese and baked until tender.

While you can make the zucchini on its own, this side dish goes perfectly with fried calamari.

The mixed flavors will add another dimension to your calamari meal, and the veggies will keep you feeling healthy.

With just a few ingredients, this recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes.

It can be served alongside your calamari or your main dish — it’s great with either.

This is another simple side dish for calamari that is easy to prepare whenever you need them.

It’s easy to make during meal prep time, or you can even whip up an extra batch if you get home late from work.

3 – Buttered Corn on the Cob

Corn is generally eaten fresh off the cob, but it also works well in recipes.

This corn-on-the-cob recipe turns this American staple into a delicious side dish for calamari.

Many people like to eat their corn with butter or salt, but this dish adds an extra kick that makes it pop.

This is another recipe that will go well with any meat you might be serving alongside your calamari.

It’s also very easy to make, so it comes together quickly.

Make sure to use fresh corn for this recipe.

It’ll be worth the extra effort, as you can taste the difference.

4 – Polenta

Polenta is a dish made from cornmeal that’s popular in Italy and many other European countries.

It’s usually served as a savory side, but it can also be served as a dessert with the addition of fruit and honey.

This polenta recipe will give you all those delicious Italian flavors without any of the hassles.

The best part is that it can be prepared as a casserole, making for easy meal prep.

It’s delicious and simple, and it can be served at any temperature.

It can be eaten alongside your calamari or even on its own for a wonderful meal.

The combination of flavors makes this side dish something you’ll want to make again and again.

5 – Potato Salad

Potato salad is another common side dish that goes well with fried calamari.

This dish is easy to make and can be adjusted according to the preferences of your dinner guests.

It’s tasty served hot or cold, so it works well as either a side for calamari or as an appetizer.

This recipe makes enough potatoes to feed eight people easily.

You can make extra if you’re cooking for fewer people, or you can cut the recipe in half if your dinner guests are light eaters.

6 – Fries with Pesto Aioli Dip

We all know that fries go well with ketchup, but try making them with this tasty pesto aioli dipping sauce.

Not only will it add an extra layer of flavor to your calamari, but it also adds healthy fat to your meals.

Pesto is traditionally made with basil and pine nuts, but you can modify the recipe according to your personal preferences.

This appetizer gets bonus points for being easy to make at home.

You can easily serve it alongside any main dish or side, so it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights.

7 – Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest

Many people forget about the delicious flavors of asparagus when it comes to cooking, but this recipe will remind you how tasty it can be.

You can turn these long stalks into a flavorful side dish that’s perfect for fried calamari.

This recipe only takes a few ingredients and about 20 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

It all comes together quickly, and you can even grill the asparagus while your calamari is cooking in the oven.

We recommend making sure that your asparagus spears are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

You want them to be either medium-size or thin enough that you can easily eat a whole spear with each bite.

8 – Lemon Rice Pilaf

This recipe for lemon rice pilaf uses fresh ingredients to ensure that you have a tasty side dish to serve alongside your fried calamari.

You’ll also want to use long grain or basmati rice, which will stand up to the vegetables and lemon juice well.

This dish is enough to feed six people, so you can expect it to go fast.

You might also want to consider doubling the recipe if you’re cooking for a crowd.

It’s best served warm, but you can eat it at any temperature.

You’ll love the citrusy flavors of this dish, especially if you’re not fond of fried calamari.

You’ll love the way it tastes alongside many main courses, so it’s the perfect addition to any fish or meat entree.

Conclusion

Fried calamari is a delicious dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as an appetizer before your main course.

If you want to serve it alongside any of these side dishes, we can guarantee that they’ll go together perfectly.

If you’re still trying to decide what to serve with fried calamari, consider making one of these options.

Each one is delicious and easy to make, so you’ll have no trouble finding a side dish that’s just right for your dinner.

About The Author

Sharing is caring!