Cayenne Spiced Fried Squid Recipes

CAYENNE-SPICED FRIED SQUID

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine squid pieces and egg white, mixing gently but thoroughly. Sift together flour and cayenne. Drain squid.
• Heat oil to 360 degrees.
• Working in batches, drop a handful of squid into seasoned flour and toss to coat evenly. Lift out of flour, shake to remove excess, and drop carefully into hot oil. Cook briefly until golden, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove squid from oil with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining squid until all are cooked. Sprinkle with salt and serve with lime wedges

SPICY AND GREASY RHODE ISLAND CALAMARI

Steps:

• Working Ahead:
• The squid can be cleaned (if necessary) and cut in the morning, then covered and refrigerated. The fry mix can also be made early in the day.
• Cut squid bodies into 1/2″ rings and put in a colander set over a bowl; add whole tentacles. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use (up to 6 hours).
• Fry Mix:
• Combine cornstarch, flour, cornmeal, salt, and both peppers in a large bowl and whisk well. Refrigerate if not using within an hour or two to prevent humidity from changing the mixture.
• Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Heat 3" of oil in a 4-quart Dutch oven over medium heat (or in a deep fryer) until it registers 360° on a deep-fry thermometer.
• While oil is heating, pour buttermilk into a large bowl and drop squid into it. Stir with a Chinese wire-mesh skimmer to coat, then lift about half of squid pieces from buttermilk, allowing excess buttermilk to drip back into bowl, and drop pieces into the dry mix. Rinse and dry the wire skimmer. Toss pieces to coat evenly with the mix, then lift them out with skimmer, gently shake off excess fry mix, and transfer to a plate. Bread remaining squid. Rinse and dry skimmer.
• Heat a 10″-12″sauté pan over medium heat and add butter. Once it melts, add garlic and sauté until golden. Add drained cherry peppers and toss to combine. Turn heat down to low while you fry squid.
• When the oil is hot, carefully drop half the squid pieces into oil. If any of the pieces stick to the bottom of the pot, loosen with tongs. Turn squid occasionally to cook evenly; it will only take about 1 1/2 minutes until they are crisp and golden.
• Fry remaining squid and drain.
• Add all of fried squid to the hot pan with the garlic and sliced peppers, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and quickly and gently toss (only twice). Divide among 4 small plates and serve immediately.

FIVE-SPICE CRISP-FRIED SQUID

Steps:

• Rinse squid well in cold water, then drain well and pat dry with kitchen towels.
• Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or cast-iron pan. Adjust heat to maintain 375 degrees.
• In a medium bowl, stir together cornstarch, cayenne, salt, black pepper and five-spice powder. Set bowl near stove.
• Dip squid pieces into cornstarch mixture, one by one, and immediately slip carefully into hot oil. Let fry, making sure not to crowd the pan. (Use 2 pans or work in batches if necessary.) Turn pieces with tongs to ensure even cooking. When squid is lightly browned, after about 2 minutes, remove pieces and blot on paper towels.
• Transfer squid to a serving bowl and sprinkle with chiles. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.