Crispy Calamari

My two little girls love this calamari!

We recently visited Millie & Poppy's cousins,
Isaac (11), Pru (10) & Charlie (6)
and they could not get enough of this calamari.

This recipe is a real hit, ESPECIALLY WITH BIG PEOPLE TOO!

This is also a great recipe to get your kids involved in the kitchen.

Pru (aged 10) dipped and coated all the Calamari pieces!

INGREDIENTS

Fresh Calamari Hoods, about 1 per child

1 Cup of Plain Flour

1 Tsp Sea Salt

2 Eggs, lightly beaten

2 Cups of Japanese Panko Breadcrumbs

Oil, for frying

Adult Version: Wasabi Powder, Lemon Zest or Cayenne Pepper

PREPARATION METHOD - This is where the kids are ale to help out!

Using a knife, cut open the calamari hoods so that they lie flat.

Rinse the calamari and place on a tea towel or absorbent paper. Pat them dry. Dry them as well as possible, otherwise the flour won't stick.

Score the hoods in a diamond pattern. (just like pork crackling) 

Cut the calamari lengthwise into strips (approx. 2 cm wide by 3cm long ), and place in a mixing bowl.

Take 3 soup or pasta bowls:

1st Bowl: Mix together the flour and salt.

Adult version: Mix in cayenne or any other ingredients to the flour.

2nd Bowl: Place the lightly beaten eggs

3rd Bowl: Place the panko breadcrumbs

Toss 4 to 5 calamari pieces into the flour.

Dip Flour coated Calamari pieces into the egg mixture.

Then toss the flour and egg coated calamari pieces into the breadcrumbs.

Set aside on a plate or chopping board.

Repeat the above steps until all the calamari pieces are coated.


COOKING METHOD

Place a wok or heavy based fry pan on the stove top on a medium to high heat.

Add about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of oil. I use sunflower oil.

Working in small batches again, place the calamari into the oil and cook until golden brown. Approx 15 secs each side.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked calamari, and place on absorbent kitchen paper towel to drain.

And repeat the cooking process until all the calamari is cooked.

Serve with lemon, and your choice of sauce. Pru just loves Seafood Sauce with her Calamari!

Link to Pru's Favourite Seafood Sauce Recipe:
http://beccannonsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/09/homemade-seafood-or-cocktail-sauce.html