Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsDons Seafood - LafayetteFried Calamari Recipe

Fried Calamari Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Served with marinara sauce.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Calamari

Method

Calamari Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Calamari

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

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

  3. 3

    Prepare Wet Ingredients

    In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.

  4. 4

    Dredge the Calamari

    Dip each calamari ring first in the wet mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat in the flour mixture. Set aside on a plate.

  5. 5

    Heat the Oil

    In a large, deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  6. 6

    Fry the Calamari

    Carefully add the coated calamari rings to the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.

Marinara Sauce Preparation

  1. 7

    Heat Olive Oil

    In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

  2. 8

    Sauté Garlic

    Add minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. 9

    Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

    Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, black pepper, basil, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.

  4. 10

    Simmer the Sauce

    Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Serving

  1. 11

    Serve

    Plate the fried calamari and serve hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

More from Dons Seafood - Lafayette