Squid and Calamari Cooking Tips
Avoid rubbery squid by using proper cooking times
The squid has nothing to brag about when it comes to looks. Indeed, it has been the antagonist in many a monster movie. As ugly as it may be to gaze upon, this sea creature brings a delightful touch of the ocean to your dishes at an affordable price.
Squid and Calamari Cooking Tips
• Squid must be cooked either a very short time or a very long time. Anything in between turns it into rubber. Two minutes over high heat is plenty. Beyond that will require at least 30 minutes to an hour to re-tenderize it.
• 12 ounces whole squid or 6 ounces cleaned = 1 standard serving.
• One 6-inch squid weighs about 4 ounces. Measure the body, excluding the tentacles, and make 5 inches or less your goal for quick-cooked recipes and larger for long-cooked.
• Those weighing less than 10 ounces are the most desirable for tenderness. However, if you are looking to harvest the ink, you'll want squid longer than 5 inches.
• When purchasing uncleaned squid to use in a recipe that specifies cleaned squid, you will need approximately 25 to 50 percent more. Up to half the body weight can be discarded during cleaning.
• For squid that is cooked quickly, plan on 1/4 to 1/2 pound per person. For long-cooked dishes, count on at least 1/2 pound per person to allow for shrinkage.
• For salads, parboil the squid by dropping it into rapidly boiling water for no more than one minute. Plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain well, cut as desired and use in salads or marinate in your favorite dressing.
• Conch or abalone can be substituted for squid in most recipes. The flavor and texture is very similar.
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Kicked-Up Fried Calamari Recipe
Calamari (squid) is marinated in buttermilk and creole seasoning, then deep-fried to tender perfection. The buttermilk helps tenderize the squid. Serve as an appetizer or entree.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
* 1 pound cleaned squid (thawed if frozen)
* 2 cups buttermilk
* 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Emeril's Original Essence or Creole Seasoning (Recipe link below)
* 1 cup masa harina (available in Latin markets and many supermarkets)
* 1 cup bleached all-purpose flour
* Vegetable oil for deep-frying
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
* Creole Olive Salad (Recipe link below)
Preparation:
Cut the body sacs of the squid into 1-inch rings. Trim the clusters of tentacles as desired (cut in half or quarters).
Mix the buttermilk with 1/4 cup of the Essence or creole seasoning in a mixing bowl. Add the squid and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Combine the masa harina and all-purpose flour with the remaining 2 tablespoons Essence or creole seasoning in a shallow dish.
Pour enough oil into a large, deep heavy pot or electric deep fryer to come halfway up the sides and heat to 360 degrees F. In batches, remove the squid from the buttermilk mixture and dredge in the flour mixture, shaking to remove any excess flour. Without crowding, carefully add the squid to the hot oil and deep-fry, turning occasionally to prevent the pieces from sticking together, until golden on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, place the calamari on plates, sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese, and top with the olive salad.
Yield: 4 to 6 appetizer servings
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Grilled Squid Recipe
Squid (calamari) is simply flavored with olive oil and lemon juice, then quickly grilled to tender perfection. Squid must be cooked fast over high heat or slow-cooked to achieve tenderness. Anything in between results in a chewy mess.Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
* 1 pound cleaned squid
* 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
* Metal skewers
* 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
* Lemon wedges
Preparation:
Prepare grill.
Rinse squid with cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut squid bodies lengthwise down one side and open flat. Cut tentacles in half if large.
In bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add squid bodies and tentacles, tossing to coat.
Thread squid bodies lengthwise onto skewers so they lie flat; thread tentacles onto separate skewers. Grill over high heat, turning once, until just opaque throughout, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove squid from skewers and pile on platter. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.Yield: 4 servings