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Salt & Pepper Calamari

Southern Calamari, hand-jigged, cornflour-dusted, 90-second fry. Tossed with chilli, spring onion, and Sichuan pepper.

Prep: 20 minCook: 5 minServings: 4Difficulty: medium

Method

  1. 1

    Pat calamari bone-dry. Combine cornflour, salt, white pepper, and Sichuan pepper.

  2. 2

    Toss calamari in the seasoned cornflour. Shake off excess.

  3. 3

    Heat oil to 190°C.

  4. 4

    Fry calamari in batches 60–90 seconds until pale gold and just crisp. Drain.

  5. 5

    Pile onto a platter. Scatter immediately with chilli and spring onion.

  6. 6

    Serve with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce of your choice.

Tips

  • Cornflour (not plain flour) gives the characteristic light, crisp coating.
  • Score the inside of the calamari tubes before cutting — it tenderises and helps them curl.
Pairing

Cold Tsingtao or a crisp Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc.

Read more about Southern Calamari