Breaded Fried Squid with Garlic and Onion

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   Mine was frozen squid, so I let it thaw first.

2. Step 2:

   

   Meanwhile, I put water on to boil and prepped the other ingredients. I peeled the garlic and sliced it thin — it lends a nice piquant flavor and turns a lovely color when it fries up.

3. Step 3:

   

   Then I peeled, rinsed, and dried the onion and cut it into rings. I used red onion rather than white — white would just blend into the color of the squid, while red keeps things looking bright.

4. Step 4:

   

   My water had come to a boil, so I doused the whole squid with it. The skin instantly puckered into little bumps that peeled right off the moment I touched them with a knife.

5. Step 5:

   

   After cutting off the tail end of the tube, I cleaned out the insides — everything inside should be spotless.

6. Step 6:

   

   Rinse it very thoroughly afterward — there's plenty of grit inside a squid. Once the tube was cleaned, I cut it into rings about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) wide.

7. Step 7:

   

   For extra flavor, I seasoned the rings with a pepper blend and spices.

8. Step 8:

   

   While the squid marinates, set a skillet over the heat and add the oil. Once it's sizzling, fry the onion in the hot oil — about 3 minutes, since I sliced it thin.

9. Step 9:

   

   I had plenty of room in the pan, so I fried the thinly sliced garlic alongside it.

10. Step 10:

    

    Now fry the squid right alongside, lightly breading it (or just tossing it with the breadcrumbs — or flour — right in the pan with the onion).

11. Step 11:

    

    Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, no longer, since we already blanched the squid with boiling water. If you want it crispy, fry it until it develops a crust.

12. Step 12:

    

    At the end, once I'd turned off the heat, I left it uncovered rather than putting on a lid. It came out delicious — tender, with just a little crispness.