Calamari Recipe
Fried calamari served with marinara sauce.
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Ingredients
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Calamari
Marinara Sauce
Method
Preparing the Calamari
- 1
Clean the Calamari
Rinse the fresh calamari under cold water. Remove the head and tentacles, if not already done, and slice the body into 1/2-inch rings.
- 2
Prepare the Coating
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- 3
Coat the Calamari
Dredge the calamari rings in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Frying the Calamari
- 4
Heat the Oil
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- 5
Fry the Calamari
Carefully add the coated calamari to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the calamari and drain on paper towels.
Making the Marinara Sauce
- 6
- 7
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- 8
Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Serving
- 9
Plate the Dish
Serve the fried calamari hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.