Appetizers · Seafood
Ugly Dumpling Fried Calamari.
Lightly breaded fried calamari rings and tentacles. Crispy outside, tender inside. A familiar crowd-pleaser that plays well as a table-starter alongside the house sauces.
Appetizers · Seafood
Lightly breaded fried calamari rings and tentacles. Crispy outside, tender inside. A familiar crowd-pleaser that plays well as a table-starter alongside the house sauces.
Fried calamari is one of the most ordered appetizers in American dining because it solves a specific table problem: it's a crowd-pleaser with almost no downsides. Squid has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that supports almost any seasoning. It fries quickly and, when done correctly, stays tender inside while the coating crisps up on the outside.
The kitchen at Ugly Dumpling uses rings and tentacles in the same order — a smart move, because the tentacles crisp up more than the rings and offer a different texture in each handful. The breading is kept light: a seasoned coating that adds crunch without masking the squid underneath.
The key to tender calamari is time management. Squid goes from perfectly tender to rubbery in about ninety seconds of overcooking. A properly managed fryer temperature and exact fry time are the whole technique. When it's right, you can cut through the rings with a fork without resistance, and the tentacle curls are delicate rather than chewy. At $13, this is the mid-range appetizer that earns its place on every table order.
Per full order. Figures are estimates based on standard recipe; actual values may vary.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 440 |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
Wheat — in the breading coating. Shellfish/Squid — calamari is squid, classified as shellfish for allergy purposes. Egg — may be used as a binder in the breading.
Dairy, pork, chicken, soy (in significant quantities), or tree nuts. Not suitable for guests with shellfish allergies. Always verify with staff given shared fryer environments.
Most fried calamari orders are rings only. Ugly Dumpling includes tentacles, which crisp up more aggressively and add a different texture to the plate. The tentacle curls are the best part — eat them first while they're at peak crunch.
Sweet chili sauce is the ideal accompaniment. At the table, calamari bridges diners who are less familiar with the Chinese-Taiwanese menu — order it alongside the Soup Dumplings for a comfortable mixed spread that satisfies every appetite at the table.
Eat calamari within the first few minutes of it arriving. Unlike the ribs or the wings, it does not improve with sitting. The breading absorbs steam from the hot squid and softens quickly. Get it into rotation early in the meal while other dishes are still arriving.
