Crispy Squid with Capers and Mayonnaise Recipe

Introduction

This crispy squid with capers recipe offers a deliciously crunchy treat with a tangy twist. Perfect as an appetizer or light snack, the golden fried squid pairs beautifully with a garlic mayonnaise and zesty lemon wedges.

Ingredients

• 300g baby squid, cleaned
• 200g plain flour
• 2 tbsp capers, drained and finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 5 tbsp mayonnaise
• Vegetable or sunflower oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the squid into rings about ½cm thick.
2. Step 2: Tip the flour into a freezer bag and season well. Add the chopped capers and shake to combine.
3. Step 3: Add the squid rings to the bag and shake again until all the pieces are evenly coated with the flour and caper mixture.
4. Step 4: Mix the crushed garlic with the mayonnaise and place it in a serving bowl for dipping.
5. Step 5: Pour oil into a large pan until it reaches about 7cm deep, ensuring the pan is no more than one-third full. Warm the oil over medium heat. Test readiness by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
6. Step 6: Remove a handful of squid from the bag, shaking off excess flour. Gently lower into the hot oil and fry for about 3 minutes until golden and crisp.
7. Step 7: Use a slotted spoon to remove the squid and place on kitchen paper to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining squid rings.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately with garlic mayonnaise and lemon wedges for squeezing over.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the flour mixture before coating the squid.
• Use fresh lemon juice in the mayonnaise for a brighter taste.
• Try serving with a mixed herb dipping sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime instead of lemon for variation.

Storage

Fried squid is best enjoyed fresh and crispy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Reheat gently in a hot oven for a few minutes to help retain crispness, but note they may soften slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?

Yes, frozen squid works well. Just make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before coating and frying to avoid excess moisture.

What oil is best for frying squid?

Vegetable or sunflower oil is ideal because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor, which gives crisp results without overpowering the delicate squid taste.

Crispy Squid with Capers and Mayonnaise Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2-3 1x

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Description

This recipe for Crispy Squid with Capers features tender baby squid rings coated in a seasoned flour and caper mixture, then fried to golden perfection. Served with a zesty garlic mayonnaise and fresh lemon wedges, this dish is a delightful appetizer or light meal with a satisfying crunch and bright flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Squid Preparation

• 300g baby squid, cleaned

Breading

• 200g plain flour
• 2 tbsp capers, drained and finely chopped

Garlic Mayonnaise

• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 5 tbsp mayonnaise

Frying

• Vegetable or sunflower oil, for frying

To Serve

• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Prepare the squid rings: Cut the cleaned baby squid into rings about ½ cm thick to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
2. Mix flour and capers: Place the plain flour into a freezer bag, season it well with salt and pepper, then add the finely chopped capers. Shake the bag to mix everything thoroughly.
3. Coat squid in flour mixture: Add the squid rings into the freezer bag with the flour and capers mixture. Shake again until all the squid rings are evenly coated with the flour mix.
4. Make garlic mayonnaise: Combine the crushed garlic clove with the mayonnaise in a small serving bowl, mixing it well to infuse the flavor.
5. Heat oil for frying: Pour vegetable or sunflower oil into a large pan so it reaches about 7cm up the sides but does not exceed one-third of the pan’s capacity. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches frying temperature; test by placing a small piece of bread in the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
6. Fry the squid: Remove a handful of the coated squid rings from the bag, shake off excess flour, and gently lower them into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes until the squid rings turn crisp and golden.
7. Drain and repeat: Remove the fried squid rings with a slotted spoon and place them on kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining squid.
8. Serve immediately: Serve the crispy squid hot alongside the garlic mayonnaise and lemon wedges for squeezing over, to enhance the vibrant flavors.

Notes

• Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before frying to achieve a crispy texture and prevent the squid from becoming greasy.
• Do not overcrowd the pan when frying, as it lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy squid.
• The capers add a briny, tangy flavor to the coating, but you can adjust the quantity to taste.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, as fried squid can become chewy when cooled.
• You can substitute the mayonnaise with aioli or a lemony tartar sauce for a different dipping flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: crispy squid, fried squid rings, seafood appetizer, Mediterranean seafood, capers, garlic mayonnaise