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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the squid rings: Cut the cleaned baby squid into rings about ½ cm thick to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Make garlic mayonnaise: Combine the crushed garlic clove with the mayonnaise in a small serving bowl, mixing it well to infuse the flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
