So many people order fried
calamari in restaurants that it would be nice to make it at home once
in a while. This recipe is better than anything I have had in a restaurant
and my husband and I order this often in restaurants. If it's too much work just make the sauce
and use it on purchased fried seafood. It is really good on fried clams and as a dip for
artichokes.
Deluxe Fried Calamari
Sauce:
2 tbsp. sesame oil
2 tbsp. minced shallot
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. rice vinegar
2 tsp. soy sauce
2 tsp. fish sauce*
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 minced garlic clove
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Calamari:
Vegetable oil for deep frying
1 cup flour
1 tbsp. Chinese five spice powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 cup buttermilk
15 oz. cleaned calamari rings (you can use the tentacles also if you like)
For sauce: Combine all ingredients except mayonnaise in a
blender or processor. Blend well.
Transfer to a bowl and stir in the mayo.
For Calamari: Pour oil about
3 inches deep in a large heavy pot or use your
deep fryer. Heat to
350 degrees. Whisk the next 4 ingredients in a large bowl to blend.
Pour buttermilk into another
large bowl. Add calamari to buttermilk. Working in batches, remove
the calamari and dredge in
flour mixture. Fry until just crisp, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper
towels. Serve warm with the
sauce.
*Fish sauce may be hard to find.
It can really be omitted if necessary. It also comes in a pretty
large container, but keeps well. All the other items are usually very
available and can be used
in lots of recipes. I think you will make the sauce often, since it is so
good and goes well with
lots of things.
