Allyson Gofton - Shichimi-togarashi Squid

Ingredient: Shichimi Togarashi

Seven spices are blended together to make Japan’s shichimi togarashi seasoning, and even though the name translates to ‘seven flavours chilli’ it will  often  contains more than seven spices, however it’s name will not change.  

Shichimi togarashi  is a chilli-based seasoning, blended with other ingredients that by themselves are hard to obtain – sansho (sichuan pepper leaves), hemp seeds, tangerine peel along with the commonly available chilli flakes, sesame, poppy and mustard  seeds and crushed nori.  Look for shichimi  togarashi in the Japanese section of the supermarket, or in fish shops;  it does work wonders with fish.
 
Other ways with shichimi togarashi:

• Sprinkle on chicken or prawn kebabs before grilling.
• Spice up noodle dishes.
• Sprinkle on a seafood risotto.

Recipe:
Shichimi-togarashi squid with lime and wasabi mayo
This coarsely-ground, aromatic Japanese spice blend gives squid – which can be more texture than taste - with a more-ish flavour and crusty texture that’s ideal to serve dipped in a lemon and wasabi scented mayonnaise.


Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4


Ingredients:
4 squid tubes
About 3-4 tablespoons shichimi togarashi
1 cup mayonnaise
Grated rind and juice 1 lime
1 teaspoon wasabi paste


Method:

1. Cut the squid tubes open, pat dry on absorbent paper towels and lay flat on a chopping board. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts in a criss-cross patterns on the inside of the tubes, but do not cut all the way through.
   
   
2. Cut the squid into pieces about the size of your index finger or a bit bigger. Toss in the shichimi togarashi seasoning.
   
   
3. Pan fry in a good dash of non-flavoured oil such as canola or a light olive oil, over a moderate high heat for about 1 ½ minutes until the squid curls up and turns white. This will be best done in batches to avoid the squid from stewing and becoming tough.
   
   
4. Mix the mayonnaise, lime juice and rind with wasabi and serve the mayonnaise in small bowls on a platter with the squid. Blanch fresh sugar snap peas or frozen soy beans and scatter on top if wished. And pass the sesame oil bottle for those who may wish to add a drizzle on their serve.