Surpise for the Hubby! ~~Tempura Fried Calamari~~

Ok everyone,  this one is tricky at the best of times!  First and foremost, you must clean them WELL!  If you do not know how or need a refresher on how to properly clean your Squid, please refer to the link below to watch the video of how to do so!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPl1e31O9-U

FYI the Squid this guy is working with is HUGE!  You wont want to work with something this big!

Now that you have them all clean and ready to go, lets start by cutting the rings.  Depending on how think or thin you want them is your call.  I like to cut mine at least a 1/2 inch think.  After you have them all cut up I like to place them in a collindar to drain all and any excess water from cleaning them.  Another option is to pat them dry with some paper towels.  After they are dry I like to seaon them lightly before they go into the batter.  I use Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt and Black Pepper.  Don't go over board here, you just want a light coating.  Next step is the Batter.

OK kids, so here is how you make a Tempura Batter!

2 1/4 c. all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
4 1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 3/4 c. milk
1 tbsp. melted butter

In a medium Mixing Bowl, Beat eggs, mix in milk and melted butter.  In a second Medium Mixing Bowl, Combine flour, salt, baking powder and sugar.  Stir into egg mixture.  Mix until smooth.

Now that you batter is ready you will want to heat your oil to at least 350 degrees F.  If you do not have a thermomitor, another good way to determine if the oil is ready is to take a fork or spoon and dip it into the batter and allow a drop or two to fall into the oil.  If it looks like it starts to fry the batter chances are that you are ready to start frying!

So what you will want to do now is to dip your cut calamari rings into the batter.  Don't try to do all of it at once.  I do about a quarter of it at a time so that there is enough space to coat with the batter and for frying.  Dip in your batter a few times till it is well coated.  Slowly and carfully place your battered Calamari into the hot oil and fry for 3-5 Minutes or till they are golden brown.  Place is a collindar to drain excess oil.  Serve with your choice of dipping sauce like a marinara sauce or create your own.  I like to make a creamy Shallot and Horseradish sauce.  Also remember Lemon and even Lime are great to squeeze over this right before you eat! and remember:

Let your Taste Buds Guide You and Happy Cooking!!!