Fried Calamari with Tabasco, Honey Drizzle and Cilantro Aioli
Ingredients
For the Calamari:
- 1-pound squid, with tentacles, cleaned, cut into ½- thick rings
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. paprika
- 1 – 2 cups frying oil, depending on pan size
For the Tabasco and Honey Drizzle:
- 1-½ tbsp. honey
- 2 dashes tabasco sauce
For the Cilantro Aioli:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup cilantro leaves, cleaned
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. lime juice
- Zest of the lime
Instructions
To prepare the calamari:
- In a small skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- While it’s heating, cut the squid into 1/2-inch rings.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch and spices; add calamari rings and toss until completely coated.
- Once the oil is hot enough (sizzles ferociously when a drop of water is added), add 1/4 of the calamari and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
- Place cooked calamari on a large platter lined with a paper towel and continue to cook the calamari, in batches, until finished.
- Drizzle with tabasco and honey sauce; serve with cilantro aioli.
- Best when served right away.
To prepare the tabasco and honey drizzle:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey and tabasco.
- Drizzle over hot, crispy calamari.
To prepare the cilantro aioli:
- In a blender, combine all of the ingredients and pulse until smooth; serve with calamari.