CHEFS' RECIPES
Stokehouse: Crumbed calamari with lemon and saffron aïoli

Stokehouse: Crumbed calamari with lemon and saffron aïoli

You'll need to begin this recipe a day ahead.

Serves 4

Cooking Time Prep time 30 mins, cook 10 mins (plus roasting garlic, marinating)



400 gm   cleaned calamari (about 550gm uncleaned), cut into bite-sized pieces
10   egg yolks
3   garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp   finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
For deep-frying:   vegetable oil
150 gm   panko (see note)
100 gm   coarse fresh sourdough breadcrumbs
To serve:   lemon cheeks
Saffron aïoli
2   egg yolks
2   roasted garlic cloves (see note above)
1 tsp   lemon juice
½ tsp   Dijon mustard
Pinch   of saffron threads
160 ml (⅔ cup)   olive oil


1 Combine calamari, yolks, garlic and parsley in a non-reactive container and refrigerate to marinate (24 hours).
2 For saffron aïoli, whisk yolks, roasted garlic, lemon juice, mustard and saffron in a bowl to combine. Whisking continuously, add oil, starting a drop at a time to prevent splitting, then gradually in a thin, steady stream, until incorporated. Season to taste and set aside.
3 Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 175C. Combine panko and sourdough crumbs in a bowl and season to taste. Remove calamari from marinade, dip in crumbs, turning to coat, then deep-fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden (30 seconds; be careful as hot oil will spit). Season to taste and serve hot with saffron aïoli and lemon cheeks.

Note Panko, or Japanese breadcrumbs, are available from Japanese grocers; if they're unavailable, substitute dried breadcrumbs.

This recipe is from the February 2012 issue of Australian Gourmet Traveller.

Drink Suggestion 2011 Crawford River Young Vines Riesling.

RECIPE Tony Kelly, Stokehouse Brisbane PHOTOGRAPHY William Meppem STYLING Lisa Featherby DRINK SUGGESTION Ben McNair


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