Crisp Five Spice Calamari With Spicy Citrus Noodles Recipes

TINGLY FIVE-SPICE SHRIMP AND NOODLES

Steps:

• Heat vegetable oil in a tabletop fryer or Dutch oven to 350 degrees F.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, ground Sichuan peppercorns, five-spice powder, sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Toss the prawns in the cornstarch mixture, then gently place in the fryer. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.
• In a wide, shallow pot set over medium-high heat, add a few turns of the pan of oil. Add the reserved shrimp heads and shells and saute a few minutes, until pink and fragrant. Add the whole Sichuan peppercorns, fennel seeds, star anise, cinnamon sticks and cloves. Toast for a minute or two. Add the garlic, leeks and ginger and cook for a few minutes. Add the chicken stock, Shaoxing wine and shoyu and bring to a simmer. Let reduce by about half, then strain through a fine-mesh strainer and reserve.
• Place a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add a turn of the pan of oil. Add the egg, letting it run around the pan, gently picking up the cooked part and letting it continue to run. Remove from the pan, roll and thinly slice. Set aside.
• Place a large skillet over high heat and add a few turns of the pan of oil. Quickly saute the carrots, scallions, cabbage and mushrooms for a minute or two.
• As soon as you start cooking the vegetables, drop the noodles in the boiling water and let cook for a couple minutes. Remove from the pot and add straight to the pan of vegetables. Add some of the reduced shrimp head liquid and toss to combine.
• Transfer to a plate or platter and top with the sliced egg and cooked shrimp.

CRISPY SHRIMP OR CALAMARI WITH CHINESE NOODLES AND SPICY GARLIC SAUCE

Steps:

• Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil. In a wok or deep, heavy saucepan, heat about 3 inches of peanut oil. (The oil must be very hot, about 375 degrees F.)
• Make the sauce: In a large skillet or saute pan, heat the 2 tablespoons of peanut oil. Over medium-high heat, saute the garlic just until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the sugar and continue to saute until the garlic begins to caramelize, 1 or 2 minutes longer. Deglaze the pan with the rice wine, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce. Add the carrots, haricots verts, and 2 ounces of the green onion, reserving 1 ounce as garnish. Stir in the chili sauce and continue to cook until the sauce is reduced by half.
• Meanwhile, add salt to the boiling water and cook the noodles until they are al dente. Drain the noodles well and stir them into the sauce until they are well coated.
• Season the shrimp or calamari with salt and pepper and toss with the flour to coat lightly. Deep-fry the shrimp or calamari in small batches until golden, 1 or 2 minutes. (The easiest way to do this is to use a fine-mesh basket or strainer. Place the shrimp or calamari in the basket and gently ease the basket into the oil.) Drain on clean paper towels.
• To serve, divide the noodles and vegetables among 4 large warm plates. Arrange the shrimp or calamari over and around each portion and garnish with the remaining green onions. Drizzle a little sesame oil over the noodles and serve immediately.
• Prepare an ice bath. Separate the garlic into cloves and remove the ends of each clove. Fill a small saucepan with water. Salt lightly and bring to a boil. Carefully drop the whole cloves into the water and blanch for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into the ice water to stop the cooking process. Repeat the process. Drain the garlic and dry it well. The peels should slip off easily. Cut the garlic into slices and use as needed.

SNOW CITY SPICY NOODLES

Steps:

• Cook the spaghetti in boiling water until just tender. It should be firm to the bite but not crunchy. Do not overcook. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly again. Allow the pasta to cool.
• Whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, chili oil, sugar and balsamic vinegar in large bowl. Mix in the cooled pasta until well coated, and then mix in the sesame seeds. Let soak in the sauce for at least 6 hours. For best results, let soak for 24 hours. Drain. Toss in fresh veggies or chicken, beef or shrimp for a complete meal.

COLD SPICY NOODLES

Steps:

• Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, then drain in a colander. Rinse with cold water until cool. Toss in a large bowl with sesame oil. In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, chile oil, bean sauce, ginger, garlic, and sugar. Pour over noodles, add green onions, and toss well.
• If taking on a picnic, transfer noodles to a container for transport. To assemble, put noodles in serving bowls and offer with desired toppings and chopsticks.

CALAMARI "NOODLES" WITH BLACK OLIVES AND ARUGULA

Steps:

• Cut each calamari tube in strips lengthwise that are about 1/4-inch wide. If using the tentacles, cut in segments.
• Coat a large saute pan generously with olive oil. Add the smashed garlic cloves and crushed red pepper and bring to a high heat. When the garlic is golden brown and very aromatic remove the garlic and discard. Carefully add the calamari and quickly toss or stir in the hot oil. Season with salt and saute for 1 to 2 minutes or until the calamari turn from translucent to opaque. Add the wine and the olives and cook until the wine has reduced by about half. Taste to see if the seasoning is correct.
• While the calamari is cooking, toast or grill the bread. Rub the bread with the remaining garlic clove and drizzle generously with olive oil.
• Divide the arugula between 4 serving bowls. Spoon the calamari and juices over the greens. Cut each piece of bread in half on the bias and arrange on the calamari. Garnish with chives and serve.
• What a noodle!