Best Crispy Calamari With Pickled Jalapeno Dipping Sauce Recipes

CRISPY SQUID WITH GARLIC MAYONNAISE

Steps:

• Strange though it might sound to say it, this is another of my supper-standbys. I keep the frozen squid in the deep-freeze, taking it out in the morning at breakfast to let it thaw in time for the evening's meal. I prefer to eat a massive amount of this, and nothing else (I can eat the whole lot myself) rather than have it more meanly as a starter unless, in a life outside of this chapter's parameters, I'm expecting company, in which case it would happily stretch to 4 people, ready to dunk each crisp piece of squid into the garlic mayonnaise over pre-dinner drinks.
• I feel the ghost of Elizabeth David spitting at my calling this 'crispy' squid, but that's what I habitually call it at home, and I beg forgiveness of the pedants, with whom I have some sympathy.
• Heat the oil in a smallish saucepan and while it's left to heat up cut the thawed squid into 1/2-inch rings.
• Put the cornstarch, semolina and seasoning into a plastic freezer bag. Add the squid rings and tentacles and then toss to coat.
• When the oil is hot enough, which is when it sizzles up fiercely when you drop in a small cube of bread, fry the squid in batches to get the most golden crunchiness. A couple of minutes per batch is all you should need
• Mince the garlic into the mayonnaise to serve alongside the fried squid.

FIVE-SPICE CALAMARI WITH DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• For dipping sauce:
• Combine all ingredients except mayonnaise in processor. Blend well. Transfer to bowl. Stir in mayonnaise. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Whisk before serving.)
• For calamari:
• Pour oil to depth of 3 inches in heavy large pot. Heat to 350°F. Whisk next 4 ingredients in large bowl to blend. Pour buttermilk into another large bowl. Add calamari to buttermilk. Working in batches, remove calamari; dredge in flour mixture. Fry until just crisp, about 2 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Serve warm with sauce.
• *Available in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets.
• **A blend of ground anise, cinnamon, star anise, cloves and ginger available in the spice section of most supermarkets.

CRANBERRY-JALAPENO DIPPING SAUCE WITH CRISPY CHICKEN WINGS

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and chopped jalapenos, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is soft, about 2 minutes. Add the cranberries, sugar, 3/4 cup water and jalapeno brine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the cranberries have all burst, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to the bowl of a food processor, and process until completely smooth. Season to taste with additional salt if needed. Pour into a serving dish, and cover with plastic wrap so it does not form a skin while you fry the chicken wings.
• Fill a large Dutch oven halfway with oil, and heat to 375 degrees F.
• Toss half the chicken wings with a large pinch of salt in a large bowl. Put the cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon salt in another large bowl. Add the wings to the cornstarch, and toss to completely coat. Shake off the excess cornstarch, and fry the chicken wings in the hot oil until light golden brown and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. (It's OK if the temperature drops slightly, though not below 350 degrees F, as the chicken wings fry.) Transfer the fried wings to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb any excess oil. Sprinkle liberally with salt. Let the oil return to 375 degrees F, then season, dredge and fry the remaining wings.
• Garnish the dipping sauce with the sliced pickled jalapenos, and serve alongside the hot chicken wings. The sauce can be made a day ahead, refrigerated and rewarmed before serving; if it thickens overnight, thin it out with 1 to 2 tablespoons water.

CALAMARI IN A CREAMY WHITE WINE SAUCE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add crushed garlic, and cook for a few seconds until it turns golden brown. Stir in the squid, and cook until it turns white. Pour in white wine and cherry pepper slices; bring to a simmer, and cook until the wine is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
• Stir cornstarch into the cream, and add to the simmering calamari. Season with red pepper flakes, basil, salt, and pepper; stir until thickened. To serve, toss pasta with sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

CALAMARI

Steps:

• Preheat oil in a heavy, deep frying pan or pot. Oil should be heated to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C).
• In a medium size mixing bowl mix together flour, salt, oregano and black pepper. Dredge squid through flour and spice mixture.
• Place squid in oil for 2 to 3 minutes or until light brown. Beware of overcooking, squid will be tough if overcooked. Dry squid on paper towels. Serve with wedges of lemon.