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Monsoon Cafe Calamari Tempura

Time35 minutes
YieldsServes 6
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DEAR SOS: My friends and I recently had a plate of calamari, served with a sauce, at Monsoon Cafe in Santa Monica. It was delicious. We wonder if you could get the recipe.

JOHN TA

Alhambra

DEAR JOHN: Executive chef Hitoshi Hakamato was delighted to share this excellent calamari tempura served with curry mayonnaise. You can prepare the batter and sauce beforehand, leaving the frying for the last minute.

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1

Combine salt, pepper, garlic, fish sauce, wine, eggs, paprika and hot pepper sauce in blender and blend 30 seconds. Pour mixture into large bowl and stir in flour just until combined; do not over-mix.

2

Add calamari. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Just before cooking, stir cornstarch into calamari mixture. (This step is important to give calamari a crispy texture).

3

Heat oil in large deep saucepan to 375 degrees on thermometer or until pinch of flour dropped into oil bubbles. Drop small batch of calamari into hot oil. Do not crowd pan. Cook in batches until calamari rings are golden brown and crispy, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Keep fried calamari in warm oven until all calamari are cooked.

4

To serve, fill each lettuce leaf with 1 cup calamari. Serve with Curry Mayonnaise.