Fried calamari

Ingredients

Calamari

• 1 lb calamari, bodies sliced into ½ inch rings, tentacles left whole
• 1½ cup buttermilk
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• oil for frying
• chopped parsley for garnish
• lemon wedges

Lemon aioli

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• zest and juice of 1 lemon
• dash of Tabasco
• salt and pepper to taste

Insructions

1. Prepare lemon aioli by whisking together mayonnaise & Tabasco.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Soak calamari in buttermilk for 20-30 minutes.
4. Preheat frying oil to 350 degrees F.
5. Combine flour with seasonings from paprika - red chili flakes.
6. Dredge calamari in seasoned flour, tossing evenly to coat.
7. Carefully drop a handful of the calamari into the hot oil.
8. Cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
9. Remove with slotted spoon and transfer to a paper lined baking sheet.
10. Repeat with remaining calamari.
11. Sprinkle parsley on top. 
12. Serve with lemon wedges and lemon aioli.