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Ingredients
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Calamari
Spicy Marinara Sauce
Method
Calamari Preparation
- 1
Prepare the Calamari
Rinse the calamari rings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- 2
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- 3
Soak in Buttermilk
Place the calamari rings into another bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for about 15 minutes.
- 4
Coat the Calamari
Remove the calamari from the buttermilk and dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
Frying the Calamari
- 5
Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- 6
Fry the Calamari
Carefully add the coated calamari rings to the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- 7
Drain the Calamari
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried calamari from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Spicy Marinara Sauce Preparation
- 8
- 9
Sauté Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the oil and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 10
Add Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- 11
Finish the Sauce
Remove from heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil.
Serving
- 12
Plate the Dish
Serve the crispy calamari hot with a side of spicy marinara sauce for dipping.
