Fried Squid, Papaya, and Frisée Salad with Spicy-Sour Dressing

Ingredients for Fried Squid, Papaya, and Frisée Salad with Spicy-Sour Dressing

• 675g frozen cleaned small squid (bodies and tentacles), thawed, drained, or 450g fresh

• 190g plain flour, divided

• 350ml rice flour,* divided

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon peanut oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 300ml (or more) water

• Vegetable oil (for deep-frying)

• 4 cups (about 2 heads) frisée lettuce

• 2 cups 1/2-inch cubes peeled seeded fresh papaya

• 120ml whole roasted salted cashews

• 6 fresh water chestnuts, peeled, thinly sliced into rounds

• 50g thin strips peeled fresh ginger

• Spicy-Sour Dressing

• Toasted sesame seeds

How to make Fried Squid, Papaya, and Frisée Salad with Spicy-Sour Dressing

Cut squid bodies into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Place all squid in large sieve set over bowl. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to drain well.

Place 240ml flour, 240ml rice flour, soy sauce, vinegar, peanut oil, and sugar in large bowl. Gradually add 300ml water, whisking until batter is smooth. If necessary, whisk in more water by teaspoonfuls until batter reaches double cream consistency. Let batter stand at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours at room temperature, whisking occasionally.

Mix remaining 60g flour and 60g rice flour in large bowl. Add squid. Toss until squid is coated, separating pieces. Turn mixture into another sieve and shake off excess flour. Sprinkle squid generously with salt, tossing in sieve. Mix coated squid into batter.

Pour oil into heavy large saucepan to depth of 1 1/2 inches. Attach clip-on deep-fry thermometer and heat oil over medium-high heat to 177°C to 182°C. Working in batches and stirring often with tongs to separate pieces, drop squid into oil. Fry until crisp and brown, about 4 minutes per batch. Using slotted spoon, transfer squid to paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Combine frisée, papaya, cashews, water chestnuts, and ginger in large bowl. Add enough dressing to coat lightly. Divide salad among plates, mounding in centre.

Pile squid atop salad on each plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve, passing remaining dressing separately.

*Available at some supermarkets, specialty foods stores, and natural foods stores.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.