Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsLui LuiCalamari Recipe

Calamari Recipe

Inspired by Lui Lui
Time40m
Serves4

Fried calamari served with marinara sauce.

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Ingredients

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Calamari

Method

Calamari Preparation

  1. 1

    Clean the calamari

    Rinse the fresh calamari under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the bodies into rings and set aside.

  2. 2

    Prepare the batter

    In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine.

  3. 3

    Prepare the egg mixture

    In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.

  4. 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).

  5. 5

    Coat the calamari

    Dip the calamari rings first in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat them in the flour mixture until well covered.

  6. 6

    Fry the calamari

    Carefully place the coated calamari rings in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

  7. 7

    Drain and serve

    Remove the fried calamari from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately.

Marinara Sauce Preparation

  1. 8

    Sauté garlic

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

  2. 9

    Add crushed tomatoes

    Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.

  3. 10

    Season the sauce

    Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Stir well and let simmer for 15-20 minutes to thicken.

  4. 11

    Serve

    Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and serve hot alongside the fried calamari.

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