Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsFresco Cucina ItalianaFritto Calamari Recipe

Fritto Calamari Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Lightly breaded calamari served over a bed of spring mix and marinara sauce

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Ingredients

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Calamari

Salad

Marinara Sauce

Method

Preparing the Marinara Sauce

  1. 1

    Cook the Garlic

    In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

  2. 2

    Add Tomatoes and Season

    Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, and add dried oregano, salt, and sugar. Stir well to combine.

  3. 3

    Simmer the Sauce

    Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. 4

    Finish with Basil

    Before serving, stir in fresh basil leaves, and set the sauce aside.

Preparing the Calamari

  1. 5

    Prepare the Breading

    In a bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika. In another bowl, beat the eggs.

  2. 6

    Coat the Calamari

    Dredge each calamari ring in the flour mixture, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then coat it with breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.

  3. 7

    Heat the Oil

    In a deep pot or fryer, heat the oil to 180°C (350°F).

  4. 8

    Fry the Calamari

    Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded calamari in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain.

Assembling the Dish

  1. 9

    Prepare the Plate

    On a serving plate, create a bed of spring mix greens.

  2. 10

    Top with Calamari

    Arrange the fried calamari on top of the greens.

  3. 11

    Add Marinara Sauce

    Spoon the marinara sauce over the calamari or serve it on the side for dipping.

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