Fried Calamari Recipe
Crispy fried calamari served with marinara sauce.
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Ingredients
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Calamari
Marinara Sauce
Method
Calamari Preparation
- 1
Prepare the Calamari
Rinse the calamari rings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will ensure they are not too wet before breading.
- 2
Make the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine.
- 3
Soak in Buttermilk
Place the dried calamari in another bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- 4
Breading the Calamari
Remove the calamari from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Frying
- 5
Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- 6
Fry the Calamari
Carefully add the breaded calamari in batches to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- 7
Drain Excess Oil
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried calamari from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Marinara Sauce Preparation
- 8
- 9
Make the Sauce
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- 10
Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the fresh basil just before serving.