Crispy Fried Calamari with Lemon Mayonnaise

These crispy calamari rings are a fast and delicious way of enjoying seafood. This dish is fresh and clean and can be prepared under 10 minutes. Paired with a creamy homemade mayonnaise, you are sure to please anyone you serve this to. I love to sprinkle some minced chili pepper over the crispy calamari tubes for that added bite of heat and surprise. If you are hosting a party, I would highly recommend these as a conversation starter.

INGREDIENTS:

For Calamari:

(1) 3 Large Calamari Tubes

(2) 3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour

(3) Salt and Pepper to Taste

(4) Oil for Frying

(5) 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder (Optional)

(6) 1/2 Chili Pepper (Optional)

For Mayonnaise:

(1) See recipe for mayonnaise here

(2) 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice

(3) 1/4 Teaspoon Lemon Zest

PROCEDURE:

(1) Clean and slice calamari tubes into 1/2 inch rounds. Wash and dry thoroughly with paper towel.

(2) In a bowl or ziplock bag, combine flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Put calamari rounds in flour mixture and mix to coat. If using ziplock bag, shake bag to coat calamari.

(3) Place coated calamari in sieve, shake to remove excess flour.

(4) Meanwhile heat oil till hot. Fry calamari in hot oil for 5 minutes, remove and place on paper towel to soak up excess oil. Calamari will become tough if you fry beyond 5 minutes.

(5) Make your mayonnaise and put in an extra teaspoon of lemon juice and some lemon zest.

Serve crispy calamari rings with lemon mayonnaise. If you want some heat, mince some chili and sprinkle over calamari. You can also serve them with some lemon wedges. Enjoy!