Lemon Garlic Calamari with Aioli
Ingredients:

For the Calamari:

1 lb (450g) squid, cleaned and sliced into rings

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

½ tsp paprika (optional)

Vegetable oil, for frying

1 lemon, cut into wedges

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Aioli:

½ cup mayonnaise

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp lemon juice

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Aioli:

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. Prepare the Calamari:

Pat squid rings dry with paper towels.

In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Dredge the squid rings in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

3. Fry the Calamari:

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat (about 1–2 inches deep).

Fry the calamari in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp.

Remove and drain on paper towels.

4. Add Garlic and Lemon:

In a separate small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

Toss fried calamari in the garlic oil, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.

5. Serve:

Arrange calamari on a platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with aioli and extra lemon wedges on the side.