For seafood lovers, "five spice crisp fried squid" is an absolute delight. Its crispy texture and appetizing aroma make it a favorite among many. Originating from East Asia, this dish has gained popularity worldwide due to its distinct flavor and ease of preparation. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you step-by-step through the process of creating the perfect five spice crisp fried squid. From selecting the freshest squid to mastering the art of frying, we will provide you with all the essential tips and tricks to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior and a tender, succulent interior. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and let's embark on a culinary journey to create a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
FIVE-SPICE CRISP-FRIED SQUID
In most Chinese restaurants, so-called "Salt and Pepper-Style" shrimp or squid usually contain other spices too. A good dose of 5-spice mixture makes these fried squid especially tasty, and dusting them with cornstarch before frying keeps them delicately crisp. Maintain the oil temperature at 375 degrees, and don't try to fry too many pieces at once.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories dinner, lunch, appetizer, main course
Time 45m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
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.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 370, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 22 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 366 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CRISP FIVE-SPICE CALAMARI WITH SPICY CITRUS NOODLES
Steps:
- For the noodles and dressing: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Put the noodles in a large bowl and pour boiling water over them to cover. Let stand for 4 minutes, and then drain in a colander, rinse with cold water, shake well, and transfer to a bowl. Drizzle the oil on top, toss well to coat, and set aside.
- Stir together the chili sauce, ginger, honey, sugar, grapefruit juice and lemon juice until well combined. Stir in the chiles and set aside.
- For the calamari: Stir together the five-spice powder, salt and white pepper in a small bowl and set aside. Whisk together the potato starch and yolks in a medium bowl. If the batter is too thick to pour from a spoon, add water a few teaspoons at a time until thinned.
- Pour the oil into a wok and warm to 350 degrees F over high heat (a cube of bread will turn golden and float to the surface within 10 to 15 seconds when ready). Dip the calamari rings into the batter using a slotted spoon and stir until well coated. Shake off the excess batter and carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry, stirring frequently with a strainer, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer the calamari to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and sprinkle the spice mix over while hot.
- To serve, divide the noodles among 4 shallow bowls. Drizzle two-thirds of the dressing evenly over the noodles, top each with calamari, and then drizzle the remaining dressing on top. Mix together the Thai basil, cilantro and mint stems, divide into 4 bundles and garnish each bowl with 1 herb bundle and lime wedges, for squeezing at the table.
FIVE-SPICE CALAMARI WITH DIPPING SAUCE
Categories Appetizer Fry Squid Summer Bon Appétit Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free
Yield Makes 4 to 6 appetizer servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
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.
Tips:
- Use fresh squid for the best flavor and texture.
- Clean the squid thoroughly to remove all of the ink and other impurities.
- Score the squid lightly to help it cook evenly.
- Marinate the squid in the five-spice mixture for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with flavor.
- Use a light touch when frying the squid to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Fry the squid in small batches to prevent the oil from becoming too hot.
- Drain the squid on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Serve the squid immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
Five-spice crisp-fried squid is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The squid is tender and flavorful, with a crispy coating that is perfectly complemented by the five-spice mixture. This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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