Fried Calamari Recipe
Lightly breaded and 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 helps to ensure they fry up nicely.
- 2
Make the Breading
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- 3
Coat the Calamari
Dip each calamari ring into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- 4
Heat the Oil
In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- 5
Fry the Calamari
Carefully add the breaded calamari rings in batches to the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Marinara Sauce Preparation
- 6
- 7
Combine Ingredients
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- 8
Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- 9
Finish the Sauce
Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste.