FRIED CALAMARI W/GARLIC MAYONNAISE DIPPING SAUCE

Fried Calamari w/Garlic Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce image

Provided by Nancy Vargas

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/4 lb calamari (tubes & tentacles)
2 Tbsp cornstarch
2 egg whites
1/2 tsp pepper
3/4 tsp salt
1 grated garlic clove
2-1/2 c panko bread crumbs
1/2 c canola oil
CALAMARI TOSS
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 garlic clove (chop)
2 stalk(s) celery(inner yellow slice)
1/2 lemon(cut lengthwise into half moons)
DIPPING SAUCE
3/4 c mayonnaise
1 garlic (large, grate)
1 Tbsp italian parsley
1/2 tsp lemon juice, maybe more

Steps:

1. Wash calamari and dry well with paper towels.
2. Whisk egg whites, cornstarch, grated garlic, salt and pepper until foamy.
3. Dip calamari into mixture, shake off excess and dip and coat with panko bread crumbs. Sit in frig for about 20 minutes.
4. Heat oil to 350 degrees in small skillet or use deep fryer. Fry calamari until golden (about 1 minutes), drain on paper towels and sprinkle with a little more salt. Can keep warm in 180 degree oven on a rack with door ajar until ready to add to Toss.
5. For Calamari Toss, saute pepper flakes and chopped garlic in a little oil for just a little bit(30 seconds). Don't burn garlic. Add sliced celery and saute about 1 minute. Add lemon (sliced moons) at end and saute for about 20 seconds and remove from heat. Toss with finished calamari.
6. For dipping sauce - Combine mayo, grated garlic, Italian parsley and lemon juice. Place on a small bowl to the side of the calamari.
7. Finish with a little lemon zest over the top - OPTIONAL.