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Fried Calamari with Tabasco, Honey Drizzle and Cilantro Aioli

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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.