No-Fail Calamares Recipe With A Spicy Mayo Dip

Moms of picky eaters know the challenge of deciding what to cook every mealtime. Should you go for the kids’ favorites or pick something more nutritious that grown-ups can appreciate? There are no right or wrong answers. But if you want to target the best of both worlds, a calamares recipe deserves to be on top of your cook list. It has all the components of a kid-approved viand: deep-fried and paired with a creamy sauce. On the other hand, squid is always a reliable source of protein, iron, and calcium. Win-win!

What makes this calamares recipe every Pinoy’s favorite? Its versatility! You can eat the rings plain, with a bowl of rice, or coated in flavorings. The possibilities are endless. Are you ready to get your apron ready? 

Fried Calamares Recipe With Spicy Mayo Dip!

In just 15 minutes, your family can enjoy golden calamares with a surprise dip. The secret is finding a balance between the creaminess of the mayo and the spice from the gochujang. But you can always adjust the heat according to your family’s preference. If your kids are not fans of the flavor, you can skip it entirely or replace it with honey. 

As for the calamares, you can use fresh or frozen squid – whichever is more accessible. If you choose the latter, thaw them properly to keep them from becoming tough. But don’t worry, just follow this calamares recipe to make them crispy outside and tender inside.  

Ingredients 

For the spicy mayo dip: 

• 1 cup Lady's Choice Real Mayonnaise
  
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) or sriracha 
  
• 2 tomatoes, chopped 
  
• 2 tbsp water 
  

For the calamares: 

• 1 pc Knorr Chicken Cube, mashed 
  
• 2-3 pcs eggs, beaten 
  
• 500 g medium squid, cleaned, peeled, and sliced into rings 
  
• pinch of ground black pepper 
  
• ½ cup cornstarch 
  
• 2 cups cooking oil 
  

Method 

1. Make the dipping sauce: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Set aside.  
   
2. Make the calamares: In another bowl, mix Knorr Chicken Cube and eggs until combined. Add squid and season with pepper. 
   
3. Dredge squid in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. 
   
4. Heat oil in a deep-frying pan over medium flame. Cook squid in batches until crisp and golden. Drop one ring at a time to prevent them from sticking. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.  
   
5. Serve calamares immediately with the spicy mayo dip. 
   

3 Pro Tips to Improve Your Calamares

The goal is to have your platter of calamares devoured clean. The only obstacle is cooking the squid to perfection. But don't worry! Here are three tried-and-tested ways to lessen your chance of getting rubbery and bland rings.

1. Cut the squid into thick rings.

Slice your squid into ¾-inch-thick rings — roughly the same thickness as your finger. Doing so helps the coating stick better to each piece, which means more crunch.

2. Get your oil nice and hot.

Sprinkle a few drops of batter into the oil. If it sinks and rises immediately with bubbles around, your oil is hot enough. Or, you can use a food thermometer to check if it has reached 350-365°F (177-185°C). Once ready, deep-fry the squid for approximately 90 seconds.

3. Marinate the squid in buttermilk.

If you have the time, soak your squid in buttermilk for at least three hours or overnight. The acidity helps break down the protein, making your calamares juicier. Prepare your own buttermilk by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar. 

Follow these tips to achieve crispy squid rings every time. These might just become your kids’ new favorite treat! Are you excited to give this calamares recipe a try? Gather your ingredients stat!