Crisp Five Spice Calamari With Spicy Citrus Noodles Recipes

CALAMARI "NOODLES" WITH BLACK OLIVES AND ARUGULA

Steps:

• Cut each calamari tube in strips lengthwise that are about 1/4-inch wide. If using the tentacles, cut in segments.
• Coat a large saute pan generously with olive oil. Add the smashed garlic cloves and crushed red pepper and bring to a high heat. When the garlic is golden brown and very aromatic remove the garlic and discard. Carefully add the calamari and quickly toss or stir in the hot oil. Season with salt and saute for 1 to 2 minutes or until the calamari turn from translucent to opaque. Add the wine and the olives and cook until the wine has reduced by about half. Taste to see if the seasoning is correct.
• While the calamari is cooking, toast or grill the bread. Rub the bread with the remaining garlic clove and drizzle generously with olive oil.
• Divide the arugula between 4 serving bowls. Spoon the calamari and juices over the greens. Cut each piece of bread in half on the bias and arrange on the calamari. Garnish with chives and serve.
• What a noodle!

FIVE-SPICE CALAMARI WITH DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• For dipping sauce:
• Combine all ingredients except mayonnaise in processor. Blend well. Transfer to bowl. Stir in mayonnaise. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Whisk before serving.)
• For calamari:
• Pour oil to depth of 3 inches in heavy large pot. Heat to 350°F. Whisk next 4 ingredients in large bowl to blend. Pour buttermilk into another large bowl. Add calamari to buttermilk. Working in batches, remove calamari; dredge in flour mixture. Fry until just crisp, about 2 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Serve warm with sauce.
• *Available in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets.
• **A blend of ground anise, cinnamon, star anise, cloves and ginger available in the spice section of most supermarkets.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN RICE NOODLES WITH CALAMARI AND HERBS

Steps:

• Cook squid in a 5-quart pot of well-salted boiling water, stirring once, until just opaque, about 1 minute. Transfer with a slotted spoon to an ice bath to stop cooking, reserving boiling water in pot.
• Boil noodles in same water until just tender, about 3 minutes.
• When squid is cool, transfer to a plate, reserving ice bath, and pat dry.
• Drain noodles, then transfer to ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well, then snip with kitchen shears 2 or 3 times.
• Meanwhile, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl until sugar has dissolved. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until combined.
• Add noodles and calamari to dressing with cucumber, scallions, and herbs and toss well.

FIVE-SPICE CRISP-FRIED SQUID

Steps:

• Rinse squid well in cold water, then drain well and pat dry with kitchen towels.
• Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or cast-iron pan. Adjust heat to maintain 375 degrees.
• In a medium bowl, stir together cornstarch, cayenne, salt, black pepper and five-spice powder. Set bowl near stove.
• Dip squid pieces into cornstarch mixture, one by one, and immediately slip carefully into hot oil. Let fry, making sure not to crowd the pan. (Use 2 pans or work in batches if necessary.) Turn pieces with tongs to ensure even cooking. When squid is lightly browned, after about 2 minutes, remove pieces and blot on paper towels.
• Transfer squid to a serving bowl and sprinkle with chiles. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.