Crispy Salted Egg Calamari
Are you ready to dive into a delicious world of flavors? Crispy Salted Egg Calamari is a dish that brings a unique twist to a beloved seafood classic. Imagine tender calamari, perfectly fried to a golden crisp, and then tossed in a rich and savory salted egg sauce. The combination of textures and tastes will make your taste buds sing! This recipe is not just a treat for your palate but also a feast for your eyes, making it perfect for any occasion. #CrispyCalamari #SeafoodLovers
Making Crispy Salted Egg Calamari at home is surprisingly simple. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s a great way to impress family and friends with your cooking skills. The best part? You can enjoy this delightful dish as an appetizer or main course, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why Make This Recipe
You will love making Crispy Salted Egg Calamari for many reasons:
- Unique Flavors: The salted egg yolks give this calamari a rich and savory flavor that is unlike anything else.
- Crispy Textures: The combination of cornstarch and tapioca starch creates the perfect crispy coating for the calamari.
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe is easy to follow and can be ready in under an hour!
- Impressive Dish: Serving this will make you look like a culinary pro in front of friends and family.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level or even add vegetables to the dish!
How to Make Crispy Salted Egg Calamari
Making Crispy Salted Egg Calamari is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. Let’s jump into the ingredients and directions to get started on this delightful recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound calamari (tubes cut into rings and tentacles left whole)
- 1/2 cup Chinese rice wine (or water)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup tapioca starch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 salted egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
Directions:
Step 1: Put the salted egg yolks in a steaming dish and steam for 15 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes. Once they are soft, mash them into small pieces with a fork or use a food processor.
Step 2: Rinse the squid and combine it with 1/2 cup of rice wine (or water) in a bowl.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, tapioca starch, and flour.
Step 4: Take a handful of squid out of the rice wine and put it directly in the bowl of starch. Use your hands to coat each piece of squid in the dry mixture. Transfer to a plate or baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining squid.
Step 5: Heat 1 inch of oil to about 350°F. Fry the squid in 2 or 3 batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to dry.
Step 6: In a large nonstick pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Add the salted egg yolks and sugar and cook for another minute. Add the fried squid and toss to coat evenly. Enjoy!
Tools You’ll Need
- Steaming dish or microwave-safe bowl
- Mixing bowls
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels
How to Serve Crispy Salted Egg Calamari
Serve your Crispy Salted Egg Calamari hot, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or chopped green onions. Pair it with a side of chili dipping sauce or a fresh salad for added flavor. It’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying a relaxing evening at home.
How to Store Crispy Salted Egg Calamari
To store leftovers, place the calamari in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 1-2 days. When reheating, make sure to bake it in the oven or air fryer to retain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this may make it soggy.
Tips to Make Crispy Salted Egg Calamari
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; this will help achieve maximum crispiness.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh calamari for the best texture and taste.
Variation (if any)
You can customize this recipe by adding different seasonings or spices to the starch mixture. Try adding paprika, black pepper, or even some grated parmesan cheese for a richer flavor. For a lighter version, you can also grill the squid instead of frying it.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this recipe with frozen calamari?
A1: Yes, just thaw the frozen calamari in the refrigerator before using it.
Q2: How do I know when the calamari is properly cooked?
A2: The calamari should be golden brown and crispy. It cooks quickly, usually in about 2 minutes, so keep an eye on it!
Q3: Can I use other types of seafood for this recipe?
A3: Yes! Shrimp and fish can also work well with this salted egg coating.
Q4: What’s the best way to serve this dish?
A4: It’s best served immediately after cooking to enjoy its crispiness. Pair it with a dipping sauce or salad for a full meal.
Q5: Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
A5: Yes, but it’s best to fry the calamari fresh to maintain its crunchiness.
Personal Cook’s Note
As someone who loves seafood, Crispy Salted Egg Calamari has become a go-to recipe in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made it for friends; their amazed reactions made all the effort worthwhile! It’s a fun dish to make and even better to share. If you try it out, let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your experience! Cook with joy, and don’t forget to share this treat with your loved ones!
Print
Crispy Salted Egg Calamari
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A seafood classic with a unique twist featuring tender calamari tossed in a rich salted egg sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound calamari (tubes cut into rings and tentacles left whole)
- 1/2 cup Chinese rice wine (or water)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup tapioca starch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 salted egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Put the salted egg yolks in a steaming dish and steam for 15 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes. Once soft, mash them into small pieces.
- Rinse the squid and combine it with 1/2 cup of rice wine (or water) in a bowl.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, tapioca starch, and flour.
- Coat squid pieces in the dry mixture and transfer to a plate.
- Heat 1 inch of oil to about 350°F. Fry squid in batches until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a nonstick pan, cook garlic for one minute, add salted egg yolks and sugar, then the fried squid, and toss to coat.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding chili powder to the flour mixture. Serve hot with dipping sauce or salad.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 145mg