Crispy Battered Calamari

What is it?

A 16-ounce frozen package of Italian-style squid rings and tentacles, coated in a light batter made with wheat flour and rice semolina, then seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic, onion, and chili pepper. The rice semolina gives the shell more crunch, while the baking soda helps it puff a little instead of turning heavy. Trader Joe’s developed this version with a seafood specialist in Italy, and it’s modeled after Anelli alla Romana, the Roman-style fried squid you’ll find on bar menus. Cook it in the oven or air fryer, then serve it plain, with lemon, or with a dipping sauce.