Salt and Pepper Calamari

Name: Salt and Pepper Calamari
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb squid tubes and tentacles, sliced; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns, whole; 1 tsp fine sea salt; 1/2 tsp black peppercorns, crushed; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 red Thai chilies, sliced; 4 scallions, sliced; 3 cups vegetable oil

Crispy tender squid tossed with toasted Szechuan pepper, sea salt, garlic, and fresh chilies.

25 minMediumServes 4310 cal/serving

ChineseAppetizerStovetopPescatarianHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeLow-Sugar

Ingredients

1 lb squid tubes and tentacles, sliced
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns, whole
1 tsp fine sea salt
1/2 tsp black peppercorns, crushed
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 red Thai chilies, sliced
4 scallions, sliced
3 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

1

Toast 1 tsp whole Szechuan peppercorns in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 minutes, grind finely, and mix with 1 tsp fine sea salt and 1/2 tsp crushed black peppercorns.
2

Pat 1 lb sliced squid tubes and tentacles dry with paper towels and toss in a bowl with 1/2 cup cornstarch until fully coated.
3

Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot to 375 degrees F.
4

Fry 1 lb sliced squid tubes and tentacles in small batches for 60 to 90 seconds until crispy, opaque, and internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F, then drain on paper towels.
5

Heat 1 tablespoon of hot 3 cups vegetable oil in a wok over high heat, then add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 sliced red Thai chilies, and 4 sliced scallions and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
6

Add fried 1 lb sliced squid tubes and tentacles and spice mix to the wok, toss quickly to coat, and serve immediately.

Questions

How long does Salt and Pepper Calamari keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within two days (seafood turns fast). Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Salt and Pepper Calamari?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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