Chilli, Salt and Pepper Squid
"This classic Cantonese starter is simple to make, but for real success, there are a couple of rules you need to follow. Most important: always use clean oil for your deep-frying. The resulting batter will be crisp, crunchy and light, as opposed to heavy, greasy and 'dirty' in flavour. And be sure to serve it immediately: this dish is best eaten piping hot."
photo by Anonymous
- Ready In:
- 12mins
- Ingredients:
- 9
- Serves:
-
4-6
ingredients
- 1 lb squid, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 2 teaspoons hot chili powder
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 1 tablespoon szechuan peppercorns, dry-roasted and crushed
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 4 leaves iceberg lettuce, chilled
- 2 lemons, cut into wedges
directions
- Rinse and dry the squid thoroughly.
- Slice each squid tube horizontally into 1/2in rings. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine both types of flour with the chili powder, sea salt and Szechuan pepper. Add the squid and toss to coat, shaking off any excess flour.
- Fill a wok with oil to about a third full (about 2 cups) and heat until the surface seems to shimmer slightly.
- Add half the squid and deep-fry it for between 45 seconds and 1 minute, or until it's just tender and beginning to colour. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well on kitchen paper. Repeat the process with the remaining squid.
- Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter and top with the squid. Serve with the lemon wedges.
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Reviews
-
I think this recipe would be amazing except for the amount of salt!!! It was way tooo salty I am going to try it again with only I teaspoon salt! -
I used peeled shrimp and it was really good. I will try it with calamari next time. It was super easy. I didn't use the chili powder, I used a pinch of cayanne. -
Outstanding, I'm a big fan of squid and I love spicy foods so I knew I would love this recipe. I cut the recipe down to one serving (the rest of the family was eating steak but I don't eat red meat) and made it as directed, it was perfect. Served it with Recipe #34797. Thank you English_Rose -
Oh these were just so good. Just a little kick to the batter, which was perfectly seasoned. (I just noticed that I misread the recipe and added 2 teaspoons of salt rather than 2 tablespoons--however, that was the right amount for us.)
RECIPE SUBMITTED BY
English_Rose
United Kingdom
I live in Manchester, UK with my fiance and young son. I work at the local hospital in pediatrics and love my job. I also love cooking!! I have a sweet tooth but try and make healthy family meals, I'm not against some lovely treats now and then though :)
