Salt and Pepper Calamari is Great as an Appetizer or Meal

I love Salt and Pepper Calamari and order it often in restaurants.  But I have always wanted to make it at home so I could have it when I wanted it and not just when out to eat.  This recipe is very close to the restaurant one and is delicious.  Just remember to have your frying oil hot!

Salt and Pepper Calamari

1 pk. tempura mix (in the Asian food aisle at the grocery)

1 lb. cleaned calamari, tubes and tentacles

1 t garlic powder

1 t onion powder

1/2 t cracked black pepper

1/2 t salt

dash of cayenne pepper

1 med. red onion, medium chop

1 red bell pepper, medium chop

1 jalapeno, seeds removed, finely chopped

3 green onions, finely chopped

1 T sesame oil

oil for frying

Place the tempura mix in a medium bowl and add the garlic powder, onion powder, cracked black pepper, salt and cayenne pepper.  Follow the package instruction for mixing.

Cut the tubes of the calamari into 1 inch rings.  Place the calamari in the tempura batter and then carefully lower into the hot frying oil.  Fry until light brown (don’t over cook or it will be like rubber bands).  Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel.

In a separate skillet, heat 1 T sesame oil to very hot.  Add the red onion and cook until it just starts to caramelize.  Add the red pepper and the jalapeno pepper.  Continue cooking for about 30 seconds.  Remove and place on a platter.  Top with the calamari and the green onions.  Serve