Crispy Squid Tacos with Lard Fried Nachos Entree Combination

Dive into a culinary adventure with our Crispy Squid Tacos paired with Lard Fried Nachos. This enticing combination promises a dance of flavors and textures, perfect for taco lovers and snack enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Squid Tacos:

• 1 lb small squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

For the Lard Fried Nachos:

• 2 cups tortilla chips
• 1/4 cup lard (or vegetable shortening)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup pico de gallo
• Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

Preparing the Crispy Squid Tacos

1. Marinate the Squid: In a bowl, soak the squid rings in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This will tenderize the squid and enhance the flavor.

2. Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil to deep fry the squid (about 2 inches deep). The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C).

4. Coat the Squid: Remove the squid from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge the squid in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.

5. Fry the Squid: Carefully place the squid rings in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

6. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas over an open flame or in a skillet. Layer the shredded cabbage, crispy squid, and avocado slices on each tortilla. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Preparing the Lard Fried Nachos

1. Heat the Lard: In a large skillet, melt the lard over medium heat. Once melted, add the tortilla chips.

2. Fry the Chips: Fry the chips in the lard until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

3. Add Toppings: Once the chips are fried, remove from heat and sprinkle with shredded cheese and jalapeño slices. Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serve: Serve the nachos hot, topped with pico de gallo and a side of sour cream.

Cooking Tips

• Choosing Squid: Look for fresh squid at your local seafood market. The fresher the squid, the better the flavor.
• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 10 minutes.
• Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying. This will help achieve that perfect crispy texture without making the squid greasy.
• Nacho Variations: Feel free to customize your nachos with toppings like black beans, corn, or guacamole for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these delectable tacos and nachos with a refreshing margarita or a cold cerveza for the ultimate dining experience. Consider a simple green salad on the side to balance the richness of the fried dishes.

Conclusion

Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors that Crispy Squid Tacos and Lard Fried Nachos bring to your table. This unique pairing is not only delicious but also encourages culinary exploration in your kitchen.

For those who wish to further enhance their cooking skills, explore more about frying techniques and flavor pairings by checking out this article on mastering frying techniques.

Experiment with this recipe, share your results, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes and cooking tips! Happy cooking!