Craving the tender, flavorful calamari you love from Benihana? Now you can recreate that hibachi-style dish in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow copycat Benihana Calamari Recipe. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Craving the tender, flavorful calamari you enjoy at Benihana?
This easy copycat recipe lets you bring that hibachi-style magic right into your kitchen.
With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking, you can enjoy perfectly cooked calamari coated in savory garlic, soy, and sesame flavors—perfect as an appetizer or a special treat any night of the week.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Enjoy Benihana-style calamari without leaving your kitchen.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep.
- Tender & Flavorful – Garlic, soy, and sesame create the perfect savory taste.
- Versatile Dish – Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or main course.
- Impress Guests – Looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant dish every time.
Benihana Calamari Ingredients
- Fresh calamari rings – Tender, fresh calamari rings ready for breading and frying.
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure and helps coating stick to calamari.
- Breadcrumbs (plain or panko) – Adds crispy, golden texture and extra crunchiness.
- Eggs – Binds flour and breadcrumbs for perfect coating.
- Milk or buttermilk – Keeps calamari coating moist and tender during frying.
- Salt – Enhances natural flavor of calamari and coating.
- Black pepper – Adds subtle heat and enhances overall flavor.
- Paprika (optional) – Gives mild smoky flavor and appealing color.
- Vegetable oil (for frying) – Used to fry calamari to golden perfection.
- Lemon wedges (for serving) – Adds bright, tangy flavor to finish dish.
How To Make Benihana Calamari
Step One: Rinse the fresh calamari rings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying well helps the coating stick and ensures crispy results.
Step Two: In one bowl, mix all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk (or buttermilk). In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
Step Three: Dredge each calamari ring in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture to coat evenly. Press into the breadcrumbs until fully covered.
Step Four: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the coated calamari in a single layer in the basket (do not overcrowd). Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Benihana Calamari Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Calamari – Fresh rings cook quickly and stay tender; avoid frozen if possible.
- Dry Thoroughly – Pat calamari dry to prevent excess moisture, which can make it soggy.
- High Heat Cooking – Sauté over medium-high heat to get a light sear without overcooking.
- Quick Cooking – Calamari cooks in just 1–2 minutes per side; overcooking makes it rubbery.
- Layer Flavors – Garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil enhance the classic hibachi taste.
- Garnish Last – Sprinkle green onions and a squeeze of lemon just before serving for freshness.
- Serve Immediately – Calamari tastes best hot off the stove for optimal texture and flavor.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Store cooked calamari in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it covered to maintain flavor and prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: Place cooked calamari in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture.
- Reheating: Reheat calamari gently in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes to avoid overcooking. You can also warm it briefly in the microwave, but stovetop reheating preserves crispness better.
Benihana Calamari Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen calamari? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry. Excess moisture can make the calamari rubbery instead of tender.
Can I freeze cooked calamari? Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with Benihana-style calamari? It pairs well with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or miso soup for a complete hibachi-style meal.
How do I get the authentic Benihana flavor? Use garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and finish with a sprinkle of green onions and a squeeze of lemon.
More Copycat Benihana Recipes
Copycat Benihana Edamame Recipe
Benihana Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Benihana Tempura Shrimp Copycat Recipe
Copycat Benihana Chicken Wing Recipe
Benihana Shishito Pepper Copycat Recipe
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Benihana Calamari Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh calamari rings ,
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, plain or panko
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk , or buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika, optional
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the 1 lb fresh calamari rings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying well helps the coating stick and ensures crispy results.
- In one bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour , 1 tsp salt , 1/2 tsp black pepper , and 1/2 tsp paprika (if using).
- In a second bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk).
- In a third bowl, place the 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Dredge each calamari ring in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture to coat evenly.
- Press into the breadcrumbs until fully covered.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray.
- Arrange the coated calamari in a single layer in the basket (do not overcrowd).
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the calamari from the air fryer and serve immediately with Lemon wedges for a bright, tangy finish.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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