Wet Fried Calamari

Ingredients

• 2 quarts peanut oil
• 1 lb squid, tubes and tentacles
• 1 egg
• 1 cup ice water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• kosher salt
• fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Place the peanut oil in a 4 to 5-quart Dutch oven and place over medium-high heat. Heat oil until it reaches 375 degrees F.

2. 2

   Rinse the squid thoroughly and pat dry. Cut the tentacles in half lengthwise and the tubes into 1/2-inch rings. Set aside.

3. 3

   Place the egg, water and flour into a bowl and whisk thoroughly to combine.

4. 4

   In small handfuls, dip the squid in the batter and shake off the excess.

5. 5

   In batches, gently lower the squid into the hot oil. Cook for 1 minute. The squid will not be browned, but lightly golden in color.

6. 6

   Remove the squid and transfer to a cooling rack turned upside down set over a newspaper-lined sheet pan. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

7. 7

   Repeat until all of the squid is cooked.

8. 8

   Make sure to check the temperature of the oil before each batch to ensure it is 375 degrees F.

9. 9

   Serve immediately.