Salt and Pepper Squid

Crispy and bold, Salt and Pepper Squid is an irresistible dish that combines tender calamari with the perfect balance of aromatic spices and a light, golden coating. This flavorful seafood favorite features squid rings tossed in a fragrant mixture of toasted black and Sichuan peppercorns with sea salt, then fried to perfection in a cornstarch and flour batter for an irresistible crunch. A quick sauté with garlic and red chili adds a savory, spicy kick, while a garnish of fresh green onions and a zesty squeeze of lemon elevate the dish to restaurant-quality status. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for dinner parties or as a shareable appetizer that's sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams squid
• 1.5 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 0.5 teaspoon sichuan peppercorns
• 0.5 cup cornstarch
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 liters vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 piece red chili
• 2 pieces green onions
• 1 piece lemons

Directions

Step 1

Clean the squid by removing the head, innards, and skin. Rinse well under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Slice the squid into rings about 1cm wide and set aside.

Step 3

In a small pan over low heat, toast the black peppercorns and Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Grind the toasted peppercorns in a blender or with a mortar and pestle until fine. Mix them in a small bowl with the sea salt.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Mix well.

Step 6

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan until it reaches 180°C (350°F).

Step 7

Lightly coat the squid rings in the flour mixture by dipping them and shaking off any excess.

Step 8

Fry the squid in batches for about 2-3 minutes each, or until golden and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.

Step 9

Transfer the fried squid to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 10

In another pan, add a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sliced red chili, cooking until fragrant.

Step 11

Add the fried squid to the pan with the garlic and chili, and toss well to coat. Sprinkle half of the salt and pepper mixture over the squid and toss again.

Step 12

Slice the green onions and use them to garnish the cooked squid.

Step 13

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the squid before serving and sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper mix.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1155.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4528.2

Total Fat 449.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 284.1g
Cholesterol 1165.1mg	0%
Sodium 3719.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 80.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.8g	0%
Total Sugars 3.0g
Protein 83.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 227.5mg	0%
Iron 6.4mg	0%
Potassium 1534.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 86.1%

Protein: 7.1%

Carbs: 6.8%