Drinks and Finger Food Recipes - Deep-Fried Calamari Recipe

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 500 g/1 lb small squid, cleaned

• vegetable oil, for deep-frying

• 2-4 tablespoons flour

• pinch of cayenne pepper

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• salt and pepper 

To serve:

• sea salt

• lemon juice

• Mayonnaise

---

Method:

1. Cut the squid into rings and halve the tentacles, if large. Wash well and dry thoroughly on kitchen paper.

2. In a deep saucepan, heat 5 cm/2 inches of vegetable oil until it reaches 180-190°C (350-375°F), or until a cube of bread browns in 30 seconds.

3. Meanwhile, mix the flour with the cayenne pepper and add salt and pepper to taste. Dip the squid into the beaten egg and coat with the seasoned flour.

4. Deep-fry in batches for 1-2 minutes until crisp and golden. Drain each batch on kitchen paper.

5. Keep the cooked squid warm in a hot oven while cooking the remainder.

6. Serve hot sprinkled with sea salt, drizzled with lemon juice and accompanied by a bowl of mayonnaise, to dip.