Calamari Recipe
Fried calamari served with a spicy marinara sauce.
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Ingredients
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Calamari
Spicy Marinara Sauce
Method
Preparing the Calamari
- 1
Clean and Cut the Calamari
Rinse the fresh calamari under cold water. Remove the head and innards, then cut the body into rings about 1/2 inch thick.
- 2
Marinate the Calamari
Place the calamari rings in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them marinate for about 30 minutes to tenderize.
- 3
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- 4
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).
Frying the Calamari
- 5
Coat the Calamari
Remove the calamari from the buttermilk and shake off any excess. Dredge the rings in the flour mixture until well coated.
- 6
Fry the Calamari
Carefully add the coated calamari rings to the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Making the Spicy Marinara Sauce
- 7
- 8
Combine Ingredients
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- 9
Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped fresh basil just before serving.
Serving
- 10
Plate and Serve
Serve the fried calamari hot with the spicy marinara sauce on the side for dipping.