16 Easy Dipping Sauces for Fried Calamari (+Recipes)
Are you ready for a crunchy treat that pairs perfectly with flavorful sauces? My table always lights up when I serve dipping sauces for fried calamari.
These crispy bites come from fresh squid, and they call for a variety of tangy and creamy options on the side.
Each sauce recipe is so easy to put together. From mild notes to a little spicy flair, there’s something for every mood.
Gather your simple ingredients, grab your thermometer, and get set for these super tasty bites. Start small or feed a crowd. Let’s dip in now!
What Is Fried Calamari?
Fried calamari comes from cleaned and prepared rings and tentacles of squid. It’s lightly coated with flour and cornstarch, then quickly fried in batches until crispy. Rich sauces for calamari bring out bold, extra flavor.
Mayonnaise-Based Sauces
Any mayo dipping sauce can transform crispy fried calamari into a creamy delight. Each sauce features a fresh twist. These blends elevate every appetizer moment.
Spicy Mayonnaise
I love reaching for spicy mayo whenever I crave a punch of heat. This sauce offers a tangy bite from sriracha sauce and a creamy base made with mayonnaise. A small pinch of salt and cayenne pepper rounds things out.
For a real boost, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. It’s truly perfect for dipping those calamari rings right away.
Garlic Aioli
Garlic aioli sauce recipe is so easy, and it feels creamy and garlicky. I whisk together mayonnaise, grated garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. Then I toss in fresh dill for a bright touch.
My friends always ask for more when I serve this sauce for calamari. It pairs so well with crispy textures and a super tangy finish.
Homemade Tartar Sauce
I’ve got you covered when it comes to a homemade tartar sauce that’s full of pickle flavor. I combine mayo, chopped dill pickles, and lemon juice.
My neighbor loves this sauce made for quick get-togethers. It adds a creamy sauce that so brightens that fried calamari with spicy edges. Simple ingredients really yield a big taste without extra fuss.
Bang Bang Sauce
I whip up Bang Bang sauce whenever I crave a sweet and spicy burst. It mixes mayo, sriracha, and a touch of honey for balance of sweetness.
My guests love drizzling it over crispy fried calamari. I say it’s perfect for dipping each ring or tentacle. The sauce offers a spicy kick while staying creamy. Everyone raves about its flavor.
Chipotle Mayo
I first tried chipotle mayo at a friend’s barbecue, and it changed my taste buds and idea of flavor.
Adobo sauce from canned chipotle adds smoky heat. I blend everything with a whisk together approach for quick results. Then I keep it in the fridge before serving.
This sauce made my crispy calamari pop with ba old taste. It’s a crowd-pleaser.
Remoulade Sauce
Remoulade sauce often appears with seafood sauce spreads, and it’s packed with caper notes.
I toss in dill, mustard, and a dash of tangy lemon juice. The sauce that’s known for zesty flair really livens up crispy calamari ingredients.
One time, I served it at a family gathering, and everyone asked for the recipe. It’s a keeper for any appetizer.
Pesto Aioli
My cousin introduced me to pesto aioli sauce made with mayonnaise. We used pesto, garlic, and lemon juice for a bold flavor. It tastes creamy and tangy, highlighting fried calamari at home.
The green hue invites you to dip each piece. I find it perfect for dipping big calamari rings or smaller tentacles. You’ll find it suits every party.
Tomato-Based Sauces
Tomato-based sauces bring bright color and a bold punch. I love their tangy core. They blend well with crispy squid, creating a lively dip experience.
Spicy
I once tried a spicy marinara sauce at a beach cafe, and I had to recreate it.
Red pepper flakes mix with crushed tomatoes, creating a spicy sauce. The tang grabs you at first taste.
I pair it with fried calamari recipe plates, especially when I want something bold. This sauce recipe is so easy you can make it quickly.
Cocktail Sauce
I enjoy a classic cocktail sauce whenever I crave a tangy swirl. This cocktail sauce recipe blends ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. It’s perfect for fried calamari.
My dad taught me to keep an extra bowl of spicy sauce on the side. We reduce the heat by adjusting horseradish levels, so everyone can relish each bite.
Buffalo Wing Sauce
I discovered Buffalo wing sauce for calamari at home when I wanted a fiery twist. It’s typically made with melted butter, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt.
The tangy pop turns every calamari ring or tentacle into a spicy treat. My brother can’t get enough of the heat. We always serve celery sticks on the side for cool relief.
Other Fried Calamari Dipping Sauces
Sometimes I want something beyond mayo or tomato bases. These sauces add twists, from sweet chili vibes to creamy yogurt blends, capturing every flavor preference.
Firecracker Dipping Sauce
I stumbled upon firecracker dipping sauce at a local food stand. It balances sweet and spicy using honey, and sriracha. This sauce offers a bold spark for crispy calamari.
My sister likes to fry the calamari extra crunchy before dunking. We both appreciate how a little goes a long way. It’s perfect for dipping any tentacle or ring.
Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet chili sauce is a tangy favorite in my kitchen. I swirl in rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper for gentle heat.
This sauce recipe is so easy to prepare, and it truly pairs beautifully with fried squid.
My aunt showed me how to fresh cayenne peppers for an extra kick. You’ll find it brightens your appetizer table in moments.
Homemade Hoisin Sauce
I tested homemade hoisin sauce while searching for a sauce made with savory-sweet tones. It often uses soy sauce, peanut butter, and a dash of garlic.
I tried it on fried squid, and the tangy blend really amazed me. My parents enjoyed how it layered each bite with rich flavor. This dipping sauce is a perfect match for crunchy seafood.
Tzatziki Sauce
I discovered tzatziki sauce in a Greek restaurant, and it opened my eyes to yogurt-based dips.
I blend Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic clove, lemon juice, and salt . The creamy and garlicky result so helps me make calamari more refreshing.
This sauce offers a cool contrast to fried calamari at home. My family loves scooping it onto crispy bites.
Gochujang Sauce
I discovered gochujang sauce at a food festival, and it changed how I see spicy dips.
The Korean chili paste gives fried calamari a sweet heat. I blend it with a dash of soy sauce and honey.
My cousin tried it once, and now she can’t get enough. Each crispy ring tastes extra amazing. She asks for it every visit.
Avocado Cream Sauce
One time, I tried an avocado cream sauce made with a swirl of Greek yogurt, ripe avocados, and minced garlic.
The bright green color looked so fresh. My family went wild for its creamy flavor and smooth finish.
We all reached for extra calamari to dip. Now I keep bowls of it at every gathering. It’s simple but magical.
Final Thoughts
Fried calamari dipping sauces can turn ordinary seafood into an unforgettable appetizer.
Each sauce reveals a different angle of flavor, from spicy sauce blasts to mild, creamy notes.Pairing the right dip helps bring out the best in every crispy ring and tentacle.
I say don’t be shy—try new sauces, tweak them, and discover bold variations. There’s no single path to pure, fresh culinary deliciousness.
Exploration is half the fun. Share these sauces at your next gathering, and watch your friends request seconds. Let your creativity shine with every bite.
