Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Assaggio Kailua›Calamari Marinara Recipe

Calamari Marinara Recipe

Inspired by Assaggio Kailua
Time40m
Serves4

Pan Fried Calamari Strips in Olive Oil and Garlic with a Red Wine Tomato Sauce.

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Ingredients

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Calamari

Red Wine Tomato Sauce

Method

Calamari Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Calamari

    Rinse the calamari strips under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Season and Coat

    In a bowl, season the calamari strips with salt and black pepper. Dredge each strip in cornstarch until fully coated.

  3. 3

    Fry the Calamari

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the calamari strips in batches and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Red Wine Tomato Sauce Preparation

  1. 4

    Make the Sauce Base

    In the same skillet used for the calamari, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

  2. 5

    Add Garlic and Wine

    Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

  3. 6

    Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

    Add the canned crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. 7

    Finish with Fresh Basil

    Tear the fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce just before serving.

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