Tempura Calamari Roll: A Culinary Delight

Tempura calamari roll is a delectable Japanese dish that tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. This exquisite culinary creation combines the succulent texture of calamari with the light and airy crunch of tempura batter, making it a perfect appetizer or main course.

What is Tempura Calamari Roll?

Tempura calamari roll is a sushi roll made with deep-fried calamari, also known as squid. The calamari is coated in a light tempura batter and then fried until golden brown. The roll is typically served with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or ponzu sauce.

Nutritional Value

Tempura calamari roll is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also low in calories and carbohydrates.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cleaned squid
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 cup ice-cold sparkling water
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 3/4 cup rice or regular flour, plus more for sprinkling on squid
• Peanut oil or canola oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Slice the squid tubes into rings about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch wide. Leave the tentacles whole.
2. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 360-370°F.
3. Mix all the dry ingredients together well.
4. Once the oil has reached 360°F, take the sparkling water out of the refrigerator and mix it with the egg yolk. Immediately mix it in with the dry ingredients.
5. Use a small sieve to lightly dust the squid pieces with rice flour or regular flour.
6. Working in small batches at a time (about 6 pieces), dip the squid pieces in the batter. Pick them up one by one and gently put them in the hot oil.
7. Fry for 45 seconds to 1 minute, and remove to paper towels to drain.
8. Serve immediately with lime or lemon wedges, soy sauce, ponzu sauce, Tabasco or another hot sauce.

Tips

• Do not overmix the batter. Over-mixing will result in a tough batter.
• Use ice-cold sparkling water. The cold water will help to create a light and crispy batter.
• Fry the calamari in small batches. This will help to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much.
• Serve the calamari immediately. The calamari will lose its crispiness if it is allowed to sit for too long.

Variations

• Add other vegetables to the tempura batter, such as carrots, onions, or peppers.
• Use a different type of seafood, such as shrimp or fish.
• Serve the calamari roll with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, ponzu sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.

Tempura calamari roll is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a perfect appetizer or main course for any occasion.