Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsJoJo's Restaurant & Tap HouseCrispy Calamari Recipe

Crispy Calamari Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Served with marinara.

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Ingredients

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Calamari

Method

Preparing the Marinara Sauce

  1. 1

    Heat Olive Oil

    In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Sauté Garlic

    Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the hot oil and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  3. 3

    Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

    Pour in 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.

  4. 4

    Simmer Sauce

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

Preparing the Calamari

  1. 5

    Prepare the Breading

    In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika.

  2. 6

    Soak Calamari

    Pour 1 cup of buttermilk into another bowl and add the calamari rings. Let them soak for about 10 minutes.

  3. 7

    Coat Calamari

    Remove the calamari from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge them in the flour mixture until well coated.

  4. 8

    Heat Oil for Frying

    In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  5. 9

    Fry Calamari

    Carefully add the coated calamari to the hot oil in batches, frying for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Serving

  1. 10

    Serve Calamari

    Serve the crispy calamari immediately with the marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

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