Hake and fried squid rings

Delicious Hake Recipe with Breaded Calamari Rings

If you're looking for a savory and quick recipe for a special meal or simply want to enjoy a unique dish, you've come to the right place! Today I will share a recipe for hake with breaded calamari rings, which will not only delight your taste buds but will also become a family favorite. With a perfect combination of flavors and textures, this dish promises to be the star of your dinner table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

- 1 kg hake fillet
- 300 g calamari rings
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 green onion
- 1 clove of green garlic
- 1 red chili pepper (optional, for added heat)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of ginger powder
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 3 eggs
- 200 g flour
- 300 ml oil for frying
- Cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for garnish
- Green onion for decoration

Brief history

Hake, also known as “sea fish,” is prized for its fine and delicate flesh. This fish is often used in dishes around the world due to its versatility. Combined with calamari rings, the dish becomes a true delicacy. Calamari is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisines, and frying it gives a crispy texture that contrasts perfectly with the tender flesh of the hake.

Preparing the recipe

1. Preparing the fish: Start by thawing the hake fillets and cutting them into suitable pieces (about 150-200 g each). Make sure the fish is well-drained to avoid excess water during cooking. This step is essential to achieve a crispy crust.

2. Preparing the spice paste: In a bowl, add the fresh parsley, green onion, green garlic, chili pepper (if you choose to use it), olive oil, lemon juice, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Use an immersion blender to turn these ingredients into a smooth and aromatic paste. This paste will add an intense flavor to your fish.

3. Seasoning the fish: Using a brush, coat each piece of hake with the spice paste on both sides. Make sure each piece is well-covered to benefit from all the flavors.

4. Preparing for frying: Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs (add a pinch of salt), and one for the calamari rings. Dredge each piece of fish in flour, then in the beaten eggs, ensuring they are well-coated.

5. Frying the fish: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. When it is hot enough (you can check by adding a small piece of batter - if it sizzles, it's ready), add the pieces of hake and fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

6. Preparing the calamari rings: Season the calamari rings with salt and pepper. Follow the same process as with the fish: dredge them in flour, then in the beaten eggs. Fry them in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes or until golden.

7. Serving: Serve the hake and calamari rings while they are hot, alongside cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for an extra touch of freshness. A side salad will perfectly complement this dish.

Serving suggestions

For a truly special meal, I recommend pairing this dish with a semi-sweet wine for a touch of elegance. You can also opt for a dry wine for men. This choice will highlight the fine flavors of the fish and add a note of sophistication to the meal.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This recipe for hake with calamari rings has approximately 450 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used for frying. Hake is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Calamari provides vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, zinc, and copper, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of fish?
- Absolutely! You can replace hake with other types of white fish, such as cod or tilapia.

2. How can I make this dish healthier?
- You can bake the fish and calamari instead of frying them. This will significantly reduce the amount of oil and calories.

3. Are there alternatives to eggs?
- Yes, you can use almond milk or a mixture of flour and water to coat the fish and calamari.

Possible variations

To add a touch of originality to your recipe, you can experiment with different spices or herbs. For example, add a bit of cumin or coriander to the spice paste for a more exotic flavor. You can also add a splash of soy sauce to the spice mix to intensify the taste.

Personal note

I fondly remember the moments spent with family when we prepared this delight together on weekends. The smell of fried fish and the aroma of spices always brought smiles to our faces. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I and my family do!

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! The hake with breaded calamari rings awaits you to discover its divine taste. Bon appétit!