Calamari Recipe
Fried calamari served with marinara sauce.
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Ingredients
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For the Calamari
For the Marinara Sauce
Method
For the Calamari
- 1
Prepare the Calamari
Start by rinsing the cleaned calamari under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- 2
Make the Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- 3
Soak in Buttermilk
Place the calamari rings into another bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for about 15 minutes to tenderize.
- 4
Coat the Calamari
Remove the calamari from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the rings in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- 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 coated calamari rings to the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
For the Marinara Sauce
- 7
- 8
Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the heated oil and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 9
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and add dried oregano, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- 10
Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- 11
Serve
Once the sauce is ready, remove from heat and serve alongside the fried calamari, garnished with fresh basil.