Crispy Squid with Garlic Mayonnaise

Recipe courtesy Nigella Lawson, 2007

Show: Nigella ExpressEpisode: Everyday Easy

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (7)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(7)

Cook Time:
10 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
2 servings

Times:

Prep: 15 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 10 min
Total:: 25 min

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Directions

Strange though it might sound to say it, this is another of my supper-standbys. I keep the frozen squid in the deep-freeze, taking it out in the morning at breakfast to let it thaw in time for the evening's meal. I prefer to eat a massive amount of this, and nothing else (I can eat the whole lot myself) rather than have it more meanly as a starter unless, in a life outside of this chapter's parameters, I'm expecting company, in which case it would happily stretch to 4people, ready to dunk each crisp piece of squid into the garlic mayonnaise over pre-dinner drinks.

I feel the ghost of Elizabeth David spitting at my calling this 'crispy' squid, but that's what I habitually call it at home, and I beg forgiveness of the pedants, with whom I have some sympathy.

Ingredients

About 9 ounces frozen squid (tubes and tentacles) to give about 7 ounces unfrozen
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons semolina
1 teaspoon crab boil seasoning (recommended: Old Bay) or use salt and paprika
1 cup groundnut oil or as needed, depending on the size of pan
Garlic Mayonnaise, recipe follows

Heat the oil in a smallish saucepan and while it's left to heat up cut the thawed squid into 1/2-inch rings.

Put the cornstarch, semolina and seasoning into a plastic freezer bag. Add the squid rings and tentacles and then toss to coat.

When the oil is hot enough, which is when it sizzles up fiercely when you drop in a small cube of bread, fry the squid in batches to get the most golden crunchiness. A couple of minutes per batch is all you should need.

Garlic Mayonnaise:

1/4 clove garlic
4 tablespoons best quality, preferably organic, mayonnaise

Mince the garlic into the mayonnaise to serve alongside the fried squid.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Crispy Squid with Garlic Mayonnaise
Cheryl Chicago, IL 07-22-2009
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Terrific
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This was my first time deep frying, and I was a bit nervous. I used a deep pot and a thermometer, and heated the oil to 350... degrees. There was nothing to be worried about; the recipe turned out perfectly. I had to use quite a bit more oil (about 4 cups of canola oil) due to the deep and wide pot I used. I squeezed some fresh lemon juice over the squid at the end, and made a second dipping sauce using ketchup and horseradish. Delicious, fast, and easy...I will definitely make it again!Read more
recipe Crispy Squid with Garlic Mayonnaise
Renee Streetsboro, OH 05-09-2009
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Ridiculously Fast and Easy
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This recipe is so easy and is great as a party appetizer or as a quick dinner when you're on your own. I washed my squid... before chopping and the breading adhered just fine due to the leftover liquid from the washing process.Read more
recipe Crispy Squid with Garlic Mayonnaise
Jon Milwaukee, WI 03-08-2009
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Needs an egg base
Rated: 2 stars out of 5

This one didn't work for me. The squid really needs something to adhere the cornstarch and semolina to it. The moment I put... the squid in the oil, 90% of the coating came off, even though it looked well coated. The flavor of the coating (with the Old Bay) is good. It just needs a more traditional 2-step breading process, especially for crunch. The garlic mayo is SO good, though. A keeper and ridiculously simple.Read more
recipe Crispy Squid with Garlic Mayonnaise
JEN vancouver, null 05-14-2008
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suprisingly easy and delish !
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Finally tried this recipe. It was ready under 15 mins. ( I used a smaller sauce pan and had to fried in couple... batches.) the garlic mayo was good with it too. I added freshly squeezed lemon and used garlic mayo but still add 3 cloves garlic. (we are garlic lover) so easy and simple. thank nigella.Read more
recipe Crispy Squid with Garlic Mayonnaise
Jennifer Huntley, IL 05-05-2008
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YUM!
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Good and super easy. I liked it with squeezed lemon juice!!
recipe Crispy Squid with Garlic Mayonnaise
michelle lexington, MA 04-13-2008
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yummy!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Saw this recipe on TV with my kids and we tried it the very next day. We all LOVED it including my 4yo, 3yo and 1.5yo... children! Didn't make the accompanying garlic mayo recipe - the calamari/squid were great as is. Refreshing twist on the typical bread crumb crust.Read more