
Fried Calamari Recipe
Served with a spicy 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
Spicy Marinara Sauce
Method
Fried Calamari
- 1
Prepare the Calamari
Rinse the calamari rings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- 2
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
- 3
- 4
Heat the Oil
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- 5
Dredge the Calamari
Dip each calamari ring into the wet mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- 6
Fry the Calamari
Carefully place the coated calamari rings into the hot oil in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- 7
Drain and Serve
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried calamari and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot.
Spicy Marinara Sauce
- 8
- 9
Add the Tomatoes
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- 10
Cook the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 11
Finish the Sauce
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Set aside to serve with the calamari.

