Calamares

This dish was introduced to me when my family got a chance to have our summer vacation in Subic Zambales. The resort there serves Calamares as our pulutan for an ice-cold Light beer. Little did I know that it would be an instant hit. And this does not only serves as our pulutan but also main dish along with a hot rice and soup.


Ingredients:

• 1 kilo large-sized Squid, cleaned and sliced into thin rings
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 3 pieces Egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup Evaporated Milk
• 2 cups Cooking Oil
• 1 tbsp Spanish Paprika
• 1 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tbsp Onion Powder
• 1/4 cup Calamansi Juice
• Salt and Pepper

Cooking Procedure:

1. In a bowl, marinate squid with calamansi juice, salt, pepper and half of the paprika, chili powder, garlic and onion powder. And set aside for 30 minutes.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and the remaining paprika, chili, onion and garlic powder.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine egg and milk. Then whisk until mixed well.
4. Heat oil in a cooking pot over medium-low heat.
5. Dredge the squid in the flour mixture >> then dip in the egg mixture >> roll over breadcrumbs until well coated.
6. Deep-fry squid until color is golden-brown on both sides.
7. Remove squid and place in a plate with paper towels.
8. Serve with sweet chili sauce on the side.

Tips:

• Do not overcooked the squid or it will quickly turn tough to eat. The trick is to thaw and bring to room temperature before frying. Clean them in cold water then dry them.

Watch video here:

Just so you know:

Fried squid (fried calamari, calamari) is a dish in Mediterranean cuisine. Calamari the Italian name for squid cooked for eating, especially cut into rings and fried in batter. It consists of batter-coated, deep fried squid, fried for less than two minutes to prevent toughness. In some countries in is served as an appetizer. It is served plain, with salt and lemon on the side or with dips such as mayonnaise, marinara sauce, tartar sauce and Tabasco sauce.