Squid in batter is an uncomplicated, but at the same time amazingly tasty treat, which is quite capable of becoming loved in your family. Its juiciness, airiness and unique piquancy will certainly be appreciated by every gourmet. This appetizer is perfect for a solemn feast, and for a simple party with friends.
Features
You can cook surprisingly tender squid rings in batter quite quickly and easily. This is the first advantage of such a snack. The second advantage of squid in batter lies in their sophistication and piquancy. In addition, seafood is extremely healthy, satisfying and low in calories.
It is these qualities of squid that make them the perfect snack for any feast. And, most of all, it’s not at all necessary to be a professional chef to cook such a tasty and easy treat at home.
Squid batter can be made from various components. Usually every family has its own, special recipe for seafood dough. The main ingredients are almost always eggs, sticky flour and spices. And as auxiliary products are milk, mayonnaise, mineral water, cheese, onions, herbs and even a hoppy drink. Although everyone chooses the recipe to their taste.
As for the squids themselves, before wrapping them in batter, they should be properly prepared, boiled in advance. However, you can use raw pulp. Only one thing is important - remember that squid is not recommended for too long to fry or cook. Only a few minutes are enough for their preparation. Keep in mind that the longer this seafood can be cooked, the harder and worse its flesh becomes.
Product Preparation
Whatever squid recipe in batter you choose, first of all, carcasses need to be properly carved. To do this, they must first be thawed, be sure to naturally at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Then the carcasses should be washed, cleaned of the upper skin and gutted by removing the chitin rod. For convenience, the product can simply be twisted.
If you don’t like messing with seafood, you can go the simpler way by buying ready-made carcasses of squid. These are usually sold frozen. But whole carcasses are much cheaper, so the final choice is yours.
Step-by-step recipe for squid rings in batter
The meat of this seafood will turn out to be truly delicate and juicy, if properly prepared. It will help you with this simple squid recipe in batter. For starters, you can use the traditional cooking method. To do this, you will need:
- 0.5 kg squid;
- 200 ml of milk;
- 2 squirrels;
- 300 g flour;
- salt and other spices to your taste.
Cooking method
Step 1. Cut thawed, peeled and washed carcasses into rings. Now they need to be boiled in salted water for 2-3 minutes. After that, fold the rings into a colander and wait until they cool slightly.
Step 2. In a different container, mix milk, sifted flour and whites separated from the yolks. The mass should be homogeneous, without any clots and lumps. Do not forget to salt and pepper the mixture to your taste. Allow the finished dough to swell for 15 minutes.
Step 3. Turn on the deep fat fryer 180 degrees or pour oil into a thick-walled pan and place on a stove. If you prefer, you can use the pan.
Alternately dip the squid rings into batter and dip them into boiling oil. Fry them to a golden hue on both sides.
Fold the finished rings on paper napkins so that excess fat is stacked from them.
The squid pulp is in perfect harmony with all kinds of side dishes and dressings. You can serve such a treat in a composition with any ingredients of your choice: for example, with rice noodles, sweet and sour or spicy sauce, lemon slices or plain herbs.
How to cook squid in batter in Chinese
This savory snack is sure to appeal to all spicy lovers. To make squid in batter in Chinese, you will need:
- 0.5 kg of seafood;
- a glass of mineral water;
- 80 g of flour;
- as much starch;
- 0.3 l of soy sauce;
- 0.5 teaspoon of baking powder;
- a pinch of red pepper;
- salt to taste;
- vegetable oil for frying.
Course of action
Squids first, as always, gut and rinse. Dry carcasses cut into even, neat ringlets. Transfer these pieces into a deep container, then pour them with soy sauce and sprinkle with red pepper. In this form, leave the squid for half an hour aside.
Now it's the batter's turn. To prepare it, first mix all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder and starch. Pass this mixture through a fine sieve.
Then add mineral water to dry products, mix well and leave for half an hour too.
After the set time, it remains only to add salt to the batter and mix thoroughly.
Put a large container with thick walls on maximum fire and pour oil into it. Dip squid rings in batter and send to fry. Cook seafood on both sides for several minutes, and then fold them onto paper.
Cooked according to this recipe squid rings in batter are incredibly fragrant, piquant and very crispy. Such an appetizer will certainly captivate you with its taste.
Squid in beer batter
Another version of an unusually tasty and mouth-watering snack, perfect for any table. By the way, this recipe for squid rings in batter is considered one of the most popular in the world.
To prepare you will need:
- 6 carcasses of squid;
- a glass of flour;
- a tablespoon of sugar;
- 0.3 l of light beer;
- egg;
- salt and pepper to your taste;
- sunflower oil for frying.
The process will take about half an hour.
How to cook
Squid processed carcasses according to all rules are placed in a pan, fill with water and place on the stove. Do not forget to lightly salt the broth. Once the water boils, turn off the heat. Remove the pan from the oven and let the squid cool directly in the broth.
Chilled carcasses cut into small rings no more than a centimeter thick.
Now it’s the turn of the squid batter. Beat the egg in a deep bowl, salt and pepper it, add sugar. Shuffle all ingredients until smooth.
At this point, pour the beer into the mixture and beat the mixture well. Now introduce the sifted flour into the liquid and stir again until smooth.
Place a pot or pan with oil on the stove. Of course, if you have a deep fryer, use it by choosing a temperature of 160-180 degrees.
Place all the rings in the cooked batter so that it completely covers the squid. Then transfer each slice to boiling oil and fry for two to three minutes until a beautiful golden color is obtained. It is advisable to fold the prepared rings on dry paper so that excess fat is stacked. So squids will turn out really crispy. Transfer the finished rings to a serving dish, decorate as you wish and serve.
A few useful tips for last
Try not to put too many rings into the dishes at the same time - they should float freely in hot oil.
In the seas, squids can grow to enormous size, but it is small or medium carcasses that have the best taste. Usually, their flesh is more delicate, juicy and soft.
In order to make squid easier to peel, they need to be doused with boiling water. After such a simple manipulation, they will practically come out of their skin themselves. It remains only to lightly hold the knife to remove residues.
In the squid batter, you can add grated cheese, chopped garlic, shredded greens, mayonnaise and all kinds of spices. From this snack will only become tastier and will sparkle with new accents.
Before roasting squids, it is advisable to marinate in lemon juice and spices. So they will turn out even more fragrant and juicier.