Crispy Squid with Garlic, Chile, and Basil
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cup toasted bread crumbs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound small squid, cleaned, bodies cut into thin rounds, tentacles intact
- 1/2 teaspoon chile oil
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 3 yellow inner stalks celery, washed and sliced
- 1/2 lemon, halved lengthwise and sliced into thin half moons
- 1 quart frying oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, stemmed, washed, dried and torn
- The lightly beaten eggs should be in one medium bowl and the bread crumbs in another.
- Season both the eggs and the bread crumbs with salt and pepper.
- Take the squid rings and tentacles and coat them with the egg.
- Remove and allow any excess egg to drip off, and then roll the pieces in the bread crumbs.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and refrigerate.
- In a medium-size saute pan, heat the chile oil lightly.
- Add the garlic and season with salt and pepper.
- Take care not to brown the garlic but instead sweat it so that the liquid emerges and it becomes translucent.
- Add the sliced celery and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the lemon slices and set aside to cool.
- Pour the oil into a heavy-bottomed pot (or alternatively, a deep fryer).
- Heat the oil slowly to 375 degrees F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Line a baking sheet with a kitchen towel to drain the squid once they are cooked.
- When ready to serve, drop the squid, in small batches, into the oil.
- Fry until crispy, turning on both sides with a slotted metal spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Drain them on the lined baking sheet.
- Season immediately with salt and toss with the basil leaves.
- Serve the garlic sauce on the side or drizzle over top.
- Serve immediately.
eggs, bread crumbs, kosher salt, squid, chile oil, garlic, yellow inner stalks celery, lemon, oil, fresh basil
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alexandra-guarnaschelli/crispy-squid-with-garlic-chile-and-basil-recipe.html (may not work)