Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsMama Carolla'sCalamari Recipe

Calamari Recipe

Inspired by Mama Carolla's
Time45m
Serves4

Fried calamari served with marinara sauce.

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Ingredients

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Calamari

Marinara Sauce

Method

Preparing the Calamari

  1. 1

    Clean the Calamari

    If using whole calamari, clean them by removing the head and internal organs. Rinse the calamari under cold water and slice them into rings.

  2. 2

    Prepare Breading Station

    In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the milk.

  3. 3

    Coat the Calamari

    Dip the calamari rings into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat them in the flour mixture. Set aside on a plate.

Frying the Calamari

  1. 4

    Heat the Oil

    In a large, deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).

  2. 5

    Fry the Calamari

    Carefully add the breaded calamari rings in batches to the hot oil, frying for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

  3. 6

    Drain and Serve

    Once cooked, remove the calamari with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately.

Making the Marinara Sauce

  1. 7

    Sauté Garlic

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

  2. 8

    Add Tomatoes and Spices

    Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir well to combine.

  3. 9

    Simmer the Sauce

    Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add fresh basil leaves just before serving.

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