Jul 14 2026

Calamari Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Fried calamari served with marinara

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.

For the Calamari

For the Marinara Sauce

Method

Preparing the Calamari

  1. 1

    Clean the Calamari

    Rinse the fresh calamari under cold water. Remove the tentacles and slice the bodies into rings.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Breading

    In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.

  3. 3

    Bread the Calamari

    Dip the calamari rings first into the egg mixture, then coat them in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.

  4. 4

    Heat the Oil

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

  5. 5

    Fry the Calamari

    Carefully drop the breaded calamari into the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Making the Marinara Sauce

  1. 6

    Sauté the Garlic

    In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

  2. 7

    Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

    Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.

  3. 8

    Simmer the Sauce

    Reduce the heat and let the marinara sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. 9

    Finish the Sauce

    Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving.

More from First and Last Tavern Hartford