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Ingredients
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Calamari
Spicy Aioli
Method
Prepare the Calamari
- 1
Clean and Dry Calamari
Rinse the calamari rings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure they are free of excess moisture.
- 2
Prepare the Coating
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- 3
Soak in Buttermilk
Place the dried calamari rings into a separate bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring that all the rings are well coated. Let them soak for about 15 minutes.
Fry the Calamari
- 4
Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- 5
Coat the Calamari
Remove the calamari rings from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, then dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- 6
Fry the Calamari
Working in batches, carefully add the coated calamari rings to the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
Prepare Spicy Aioli
- 7
Mix the Aioli
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, sriracha sauce, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
- 8
Taste and Adjust
Taste the aioli and adjust the seasoning or spice level by adding more sriracha or salt if desired.
Serve
- 9
Plate and Serve
Arrange the crispy calamari on a serving platter and serve immediately with the spicy aioli on the side for dipping.