Crispy Fried Calamari with Pesto Dipping Sauce 

By Chef Faisal – Prep/cook : 30min – Serves: 1

Ingredients

150g calamari
1 egg
2 tsp mustard paste pinch chilli flakes
1 tsp chopped garlic juice of 1 lemon
3 tsp corn flour
30g plain flour pinch kosher salt

For the Pesto Dipping Sauce

6 tsp fresh basil
2 tbsp olive oil
small white onion
pinch kosher salt
pinch black pepper powder 2 tsp Parmesan cheese

6 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tsp chopped garlic

For Serving

120g crispy calamari
Two lemon wedges
3 tbsp pesto dipping sauce pinch chopped parsley

For the Calamari Marinade

Combine calamari, egg, mustard paste, chilli flakes, chopped garlic, lemon juice, corn flour, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl. Mix well until the calamari is thoroughly coated.

Lightly dust the marinated calamari with plain flour to ensure an even and crispy coating.

Preheat a fryer to 180 degrees Celsius. Fry the calamari for 3 minutes until golden and crispy.

For the Pesto Dipping Sauce

Add fresh basil, olive oil, white onion, kosher salt, black pepper powder, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped garlic in a blender. Blend for 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

For Plating and Serving

Arrange the crispy fried calamari on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped English parsley for a fresh touch.
Serve the calamari with the creamy pesto dipping sauce and lemon wedges on the side.