Fried Calamari Recipe
lightly breaded calamari seasoned to perfection with a side of marinara.
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Ingredients
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Calamari
Marinara Sauce
Method
Preparing the Calamari
- 1
Clean the Calamari
If using whole calamari, clean, rinse and slice them into rings. Pat dry with paper towels.
- 2
Prepare the Breading Mix
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- 3
- 4
Coat the Calamari
Dip each calamari ring in the egg wash and then dredge in the flour mixture. Ensure they are well coated.
Frying the Calamari
- 5
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).
- 6
Fry the Calamari
Carefully add the breaded calamari rings to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- 7
Drain the Calamari
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried calamari and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Making the Marinara Sauce
- 8
Sauté Garlic
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- 9
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 10
Finish with Basil
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serving
- 11
Plate the Calamari
Arrange the fried calamari on a serving platter. Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.