Crispy Fried Squid Recipe

Ingredients
– 500g fresh squid, cleaned and cut into rings
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cold sparkling water (or plain cold water)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Squid:
– Clean the squid thoroughly and cut it into rings. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

2. Make the Batter:
– In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
– Gradually add the cold sparkling water to the dry ingredients, whisking until you get a smooth batter. The batter should be slightly thick but still runny enough to coat the squid rings.

3. Heat the Oil:
– Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot, enough to submerge the squid rings. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

4. Coat and Fry the Squid:
– Dip the squid rings into the batter, ensuring they are well coated. Let any excess batter drip off.
– Carefully place the coated squid rings into the hot oil, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding the pan.
– Fry the squid rings until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
– Use a slotted spoon to remove the squid rings from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5. Serve:
– Serve the crispy fried squid immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.