Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsOlives and OilCrispy Fried Calamari Recipe

Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe

Inspired by Olives and Oil
Time45m
Serves4

Lemon, Cherry Peppers, Pomodoro

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Ingredients

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Calamari

Garnishes

Method

Preparing the Calamari

  1. 1

    Clean and Dry the Calamari

    Rinse the calamari rings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy texture.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Coating Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

  3. 3

    Prepare the Eggs

    In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Set aside.

  4. 4

    Prepare the Breadcrumbs

    Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.

Frying the Calamari

  1. 5

    Heat the Oil

    In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  2. 6

    Coat the Calamari

    Dredge each calamari ring in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs.

  3. 7

    Fry the Calamari

    Carefully add the coated calamari rings to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.

  4. 8

    Drain and Keep Warm

    Remove the fried calamari with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep warm in a low oven.

Making the Pomodoro Sauce

  1. 9

    Sauté Garlic

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

  2. 10

    Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

    Add the canned crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, sugar, and fresh basil to the saucepan. Stir to combine.

  3. 11

    Simmer the Sauce

    Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.

Serving

  1. 12

    Plate the Dish

    On a serving plate, arrange the crispy fried calamari. Serve with lemon wedges and cherry peppers on the side.

  2. 13

    Add the Sauce

    Serve the pomodoro sauce warm in a bowl for dipping. Enjoy your crispy fried calamari!

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