Crunchy Garlic Salt and Pepper Squid
Tasty little morsels of quick-fried salt and pepper squid are topped with a sprinkle of deep-fried garlic and cilantro paste for an appetizer your guests won't be able to resist. Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon on top to bring the flavors together and really make the dish wow. Serve as is for a tasty appetizer or on a bed of salad for a filling dinner.
Servings: 4 serves
Calories: 140kcal
Ingredients
- 12 oz squid, cleaned
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon coconut sugar
- 2 cilantro (coriander) stalks, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 head of garlic separated and peeled
- avocado oil for deep frying (or vegetable oil)
- ½ cup plain flour
- to serve: cilantro leaves, lemon wedges and chili sauce
Instructions
To Prepare The Squid
- Remove the tentacles and cut down the center of the squid so that it is laying open flat. If you have skin on there then peel it off (it is a purplish color).
- Using a sharp knife score the inside with a crisscross pattern and then slice lengthwise into 2cm wide strips.
- Combine the squid strips with the fish sauce and coconut sugar and allow to marinade for about 30 minutes
To Prepare The Rest of The Recipe
- Pound the cilantro (coriander) roots, salt, pepper and garlic cloves in a mortar and pestle until it resembles a coarse paste.
- Toss the squid in the flour and shake off any excess. Heat the oil in a wok until smoking and then, working in batches, deep fry the squid until golden (I usually have to do 2-3 batches depending on how uniformly I have cut the squid).
- Once golden, use a slotted spoon to remove the squid and drain on a paper towel. Repeat with remaining squid.
- Scoop out any leftover debris from the oil. Throw in the garlic and move around until it is golden (stay alert, this is quick). Remove and drain on a paper towel.
- To serve: place the squid on a serving squid, sprinkle with the deep-fried garlic mixture, some fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of salt flakes. Enjoy
Nutrition
Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 198mg | Sodium: 683mg | Potassium: 238mg | Vitamin A: 95IU | Vitamin C: 4.5mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1.3mg