Delicious crispy squid served alongside a zingy ponzu dressing makes the perfect starter for a dinner party.
Ingredients
- For the creamy ponzu dressing
- 2 free-range
egg yolks - ½ tsp sea
salt - pinch
white pepper - 2 tsp
rice wine vinegar - 4 tsp ready-made
chilli-garlic sauce - 2 tsp yuzu juice (available from some supermarkets and Asian grocers, or specialist online retailers), or to taste
- 200ml/7fl oz
vegetable oil
- 2 free-range
- For the squid
vegetable oil, for deep frying - 75g/3oz
plain flour - salt and freshly ground
black pepper - 4 medium
squid, cleaned, quills and beaks removed, sliced into 0.5cm/½in rings - 2 free-range
eggs - 75g/3oz Japanese panko
breadcrumbs
Preparation method
For the creamy ponzu dressing, blend all of the dressing ingredients, except the vegetable oil, to a smooth purée in a food processor.
With the motor still running, gradually pour in the vegetable oil in a thin stream, until the mixture has thickened and resembles mayonnaise. Season, to taste, with more yuzu juice, as required. Chill until needed.
For the squid, heat the oil in a deep fat fryer to 190C/374F. Alternatively, heat the oil in a deep heavy-based frying pan until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown when dropped into it. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.)
Sprinkle the flour onto a plate and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Dredge the squid rings in the seasoned flour until completely coated, shaking off any excess.
Beat the eggs in a bowl, then sprinkle the Japanese panko breadcrumbs onto a separate plate.
Dip each floured squid ring first in the beaten egg, then dredge it in the panko breadcrumbs until completely coated.
Carefully lower the coated squid rings, in batches, into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until crisp and golden-brown. Remove from the oil using a slotted spoon and set aside to drain on kitchen paper. Keep warm. Repeat the process with the remaining coated squid rings.
To serve, divide the crispy breadcrumbed squid equally among four serving plates. Drizzle over the creamy ponzu dressing. Serve immediately.
Top recipe tip
Yuzu is a sour Japanese fruit about the size of a tangerine. If you cannot find fresh yuzu, it can be bought as a paste or juice from specialist retailers.