Fried Calamari with Remoulade Sauce drizzled with Balsamic Syrup

Fried Calamari with Remoulade Sauce and Balsamic Syrup Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fried Calamari with Remoulade Sauce drizzled with Balsamic Syrup

Fried calamari is a popular dish that features tender rings of calamari coated in a crispy, flavorful batter. This recipe takes fried calamari to the next level by drizzling it with a sweet and tangy balsamic syrup. The dish is served with a creamy Remoulade Sauce, adding a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.

History

Fried calamari has been enjoyed for centuries in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Italy and Greece. The dish is believed to have originated in Sicily, where it was traditionally served as a street food snack. Over time, fried calamari has become a beloved appetizer in restaurants around the world.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into 0.25 inch rings, towel dried
1.5 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp chili powder
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp paprika
1 tsp freshly ground coarse black pepper
0.5 tsp salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cup corn oil, more if needed
1 cup balsamic vinegar, reduced to a thick syrup

How to prepare

Heat the balsamic vinegar until it is reduced to a syrup consistency.
Set it aside.
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.
Heat the oil in a large skillet.
Once the oil is very hot, dredge the calamari in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Dip the calamari into beaten eggs, then coat it with flour again.
Fry the calamari in batches in the hot oil until it turns light brown and crispy.
Drain the fried calamari on paper towels.
Season it with salt.
Place the fried calamari on a platter and drizzle it with the balsamic syrup.
Serve the fried calamari with Remoulade Sauce.

Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Substitute the balsamic syrup with a lemon aioli for a different flavor profile.
Use a mixture of cornmeal and flour for a crunchy coating on the calamari.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly dry the calamari before dredging it in the flour mixture to ensure a crispy coating.

- Fry the calamari in batches to prevent overcrowding in the skillet, which can lead to uneven cooking.

- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and maintain a consistent frying temperature.

- Season the fried calamari immediately after removing it from the oil to ensure the seasoning sticks to the crispy coating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fried calamari with Remoulade Sauce and balsamic syrup as an appetizer or main dish. Pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Dredge the calamari in the flour mixture twice for an extra crispy coating.

- Fry the calamari in hot oil for a short amount of time to prevent it from becoming tough and rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute calamari with shrimp or squid for a different seafood option.

- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the balsamic syrup and Remoulade Sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- Dredge the calamari in the flour mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before frying.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fried calamari on a bed of mixed greens for a colorful and appetizing presentation. - Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the fried calamari with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

- Serve the dish with a side of lemon wedges for a bright and citrusy flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fried calamari in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the calamari in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fried calamari with Remoulade Sauce and balsamic syrup contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fried calamari with Remoulade Sauce and balsamic syrup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of fried calamari with Remoulade Sauce and balsamic syrup contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of fried calamari with Remoulade Sauce and balsamic syrup contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Fried calamari is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains seafood (calamari), eggs, and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Fried calamari with Remoulade Sauce and balsamic syrup is a flavorful dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Summary

Fried calamari with Remoulade Sauce and balsamic syrup is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines crispy fried calamari with a tangy and creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a casual dinner at home. Enjoy the flavors and textures of this classic seafood dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. I was visiting my friend Maria's house for dinner, and she had prepared this incredible dish of Fried Calamari with Remoulade Sauce drizzled with Balsamic Syrup. The flavors were a perfect combination of crispy, savory, and sweet. I couldn't get enough of it.

I begged Maria to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. She told me that she had learned it from her Italian grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I was so excited to add this recipe to my collection of culinary treasures.

I remember the first time I attempted to make Fried Calamari with Remoulade Sauce drizzled with Balsamic Syrup in my own kitchen. I was nervous, but also filled with a sense of adventure. I carefully followed the instructions that Maria had given me, from cleaning and cutting the calamari, to preparing the remoulade sauce and balsamic syrup.

As the scent of the frying calamari filled my kitchen, I felt a rush of pride and excitement. When I finally plated the dish and took my first bite, I was transported back to that dinner at Maria's house. The flavors were just as I remembered - crispy, savory, and sweet.

From that moment on, Fried Calamari with Remoulade Sauce drizzled with Balsamic Syrup became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family dinners, special occasions, and even just for myself when I wanted a delicious treat.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Maria's grandmother had started. Each time I make it, I think of the love and care that goes into preparing this dish, and the joy it brings to those who taste it.

One of my fondest memories of making Fried Calamari with Remoulade Sauce drizzled with Balsamic Syrup was when my granddaughter, Emily, asked me to teach her how to make it. I was overjoyed at the opportunity to pass on this recipe to the next generation.

We spent an afternoon in the kitchen together, cleaning the calamari, mixing the remoulade sauce, and drizzling the balsamic syrup. Emily was a quick learner, and her enthusiasm was infectious. When we finally sat down to enjoy our creation, I could see the pride in her eyes.

As I watched Emily take her first bite of Fried Calamari with Remoulade Sauce drizzled with Balsamic Syrup, I knew that this recipe would continue to be a treasured tradition in our family for years to come. The bond that we shared over cooking and sharing this dish was something that I would always hold dear.

In a way, this recipe has become more than just a delicious meal for me. It is a symbol of love, tradition, and the joy that comes from sharing something special with those you care about. I am grateful for the day that I first saw this recipe, and for all the memories that it has created since.

So, the next time you find yourself craving something crispy, savory, and sweet, I urge you to try making Fried Calamari with Remoulade Sauce drizzled with Balsamic Syrup. I promise that it will not only tantalize your taste buds, but also warm your heart with the love and memories that come with each bite.