Crispy Calamari

Crispy Calamari Bites

Serves 2 | Prep time – 10 Minutes | Cook time 5 mins

Ingredients

• 2 Whole calamari

• Plain Flour or Karaage flour

• Seasoning of your choice (Mexican, Asian, lemon pepper etc.)

• Kewpie Mayo

• Lime

• Spring onions: Finely chopped

  Method

Pre-Prep: Prepping the Calamari

One of the easiest ways to aide in getting calamari super tender is by aging and freezing it. Once caught, refrigerate for 2-3 days. Process the calamari by removing the skin, guts and head, keeping only the tentacles, wing flaps and the mantle. Place into a vac seal bag and freeze until ready to use.
This freezing process forms crystalline structures that split proteins on a microscopic level, giving the calamari a more tender texture.

1. Defrost your calamari and cut into even size strips

2. Coat the calamari in the flour mixture and gently press the flour into the calamari. You can increase the amount of crispy bits by doing a flour then egg wash prior to the main coating.

3. Fry in a neutral oil at 180 degrees until golden brown

4. Let drain onto a draining rack before transferring to a bowl and tossing through your seasoning powder. Do this step while the calamari is still hot.

5. Serve immediately with a cheek of lime, kewpie mayo and a good garnish of spring onions.

Serving alongside a super cold beer is recommended.