Anhui-style Crispy Squid Sandwich

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the Spanish Bocadillo de calamares to Anhui cuisine, we incorporate the unique flavors and ingredients of Anhui cuisine. The original dish is typically served with a garlic mayonnaise sauce, but we replace it with a tangy and spicy Anhui-style sauce. Additionally, we marinate the squid rings to infuse them with Anhui flavors and use a batter made with rice flour and cornstarch for a lighter and crispier texture. We alse have the original recipe for Bocadillo de calamares, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) squid rings 500g (1.1 lb) squid rings
• 150g (1 cup) rice flour 150g (1 cup) rice flour
• 50g (1/4 cup) cornstarch 50g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• 4 soft buns 4 soft buns
• For the Anhui-style sauce: For the Anhui-style sauce:
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon chili flakes

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the rice flour, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper.
2. 2.
   Rinse the squid rings and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. 3.
   Toss the squid rings in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Fry the squid rings in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
6. 6.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes to make the Anhui-style sauce.
7. 7.
   Slice the soft buns in half and lightly toast them if desired.
8. 8.
   Place a generous amount of crispy squid rings on the bottom half of each bun.
9. 9.
   Drizzle the Anhui-style sauce over the squid rings.
10. 10.
    Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Squid — Ensure the squid rings are thoroughly dried before coating them in the flour mixture to achieve a crispy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crunch, you can add a handful of crushed peanuts to the Anhui-style sauce.
• If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of chili flakes in the sauce.
• Serve the sandwich with a side of pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
• You can substitute the squid with shrimp or thinly sliced chicken for a variation of this dish.
• To make the sandwich more filling, add lettuce, cucumber slices, or pickled radish as additional toppings.

Serving advice

Serve the Anhui-style Crispy Squid Sandwich immediately after assembling to ensure the squid rings remain crispy. Accompany it with a side of pickled vegetables and enjoy it as a satisfying lunch or dinner option.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the sandwich with fresh cilantro or green onions. Serve it on a wooden board or a colorful plate to make the golden squid rings stand out.