Sandwiches

How to make Bocadillo de Calamares

Crisp fried squid rings tucked into crusty bread, often finished simply with lemon.

What it is

Bocadillo de Calamares in the kitchen

Bocadillo de Calamares is crisp fried squid rings tucked into crusty bread, often finished simply with lemon.

Why make it

Make Bocadillo de Calamares when you want a recognisable sandwich with a strong sense of place and a clear balance of bread, filling, moisture, acidity and texture.

Best with

lunch, casual dinner, street-food night, weekend cooking and global sandwich tasting menus

Method

Step-by-step

  1. Step 1

    Pat the squid very dry and season lightly.

  2. Step 2

    Dust in flour, shaking off the excess so the coating stays thin.

  3. Step 3

    Fry at about 185°C in small batches until pale gold and crisp.

  4. Step 4

    Drain, salt immediately and squeeze over a little lemon.

  5. Step 5

    Stuff the hot squid into crusty rolls with aioli if using and serve at once.

    Look for: light crisp squid with a tender interior, not a heavy batter Tip: Keep the coating minimal—the contrast of hot squid and crusty bread is the point. Avoid: frying wet squid or overcrowding the oil
Storage

Make ahead and storage

Storage

Store prepared fillings separately in the refrigerator and assemble as close to serving as possible.

Make ahead

Prepare sauces, pickles and cooked fillings ahead where practical; refresh, reheat or toast just before assembly.