Fried Calamari with Garlic Aioli

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable oil
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 whole lemon

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat dry 1 lb calamari rings with paper towels. In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

2. 2

   Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high until shimmering, about 5 minutes. Test with a pinch of flour—it should sizzle immediately.

3. 3

   Dredge the calamari rings in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Fry in batches without crowding, until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.

4. 4

   Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a little extra salt while hot.

5. 5

   In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 minced garlic cloves, and the juice of half the lemon. Season with salt to taste.

6. 6

   Serve the calamari with the aioli, lemon wedges from the remaining half, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tools you’ll need

• deep skillet
• shallow dish
• slotted spoon
• paper towels
• small bowl

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