Jun 09 2026
RestaurantsIsabellas ItalianFried Calamari Recipe

Fried Calamari Recipe

Inspired by Isabellas Italian
Time45m
Serves4

Served with marinara sauce and lemon.

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Ingredients

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For the Calamari

For Serving

Method

Preparing the Calamari

  1. 1

    Clean the Calamari

    If using whole calamari, clean and slice them into rings. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Breading

    In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.

  3. 3

    Set up the Dipping Station

    In another bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together until well combined.

Frying the Calamari

  1. 4

    Heat the Oil

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  2. 5

    Coat the Calamari

    Dip calamari rings into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture until well coated.

  3. 6

    Fry the Calamari

    Carefully place the coated calamari into the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.

  4. 7

    Drain the Calamari

    Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried calamari from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Making the Marinara Sauce

  1. 8

    Sauté the Garlic

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

  2. 9

    Simmer the Sauce

    Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, basil, and sugar to the pan. Stir well and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Serving

  1. 10

    Plate the Dish

    Serve the fried calamari with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and fresh lemon wedges on the side.

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