If feels like spring has finally sprung everywhere (including Minneapolis where my sister Laura told me the 8 inches of snow that fell last week finally melted!) and it’s put me in the mood to re-post this delicious Crispy Calamari Salad. Why? Because the bright colors and zingy dressing along with the crispy crunch of the calamari just feels so fresh and pretty, like the perfect spring day.
Don’t you just love it when you order crispy calamari at a restaurant? It’s crispy and flavorful but doesn’t leave you feeling heavy. Maybe you thought you couldn’t tackle it home but I’m here to tell you that it’s super simple and fast. Here’s my Thai version with the crispy calamari perched atop mixed greens, tomatoes and veggies in a refreshing dressing made with cilantro, mint, lime juice, brown sugar and lemongrass. I just made this salad for my fashion super star friend Jeannie Mai. Jeannie’s on a gluten free diet so I simply dusted the calamari in cornstarch and omitted the flour. You can find 5 Spice Powder in the gourmet section at Cost Plus World Market. This exciting combination of flavors will take your taste buds on a joy ride! Buckle up and hold on tight.
1 lb calamari, cleaned and cut into ½-in rings
1 cup flour
1 cup cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon five spice powder
pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil or corn oil for frying
more salt and pepper to taste
Dressing
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 teaspoons minced lemongrass
1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
3 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
Salad
½ cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Thai or Italian basil
1/2 cup red pepper, thinly sliced
3 cups mixed baby greens
fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
