Calamari Fritti Recipe
Crispy fried calamari served with marinara sauce.
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Ingredients
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Calamari
Marinara Sauce
Method
Calamari Preparation
- 1
Prepare the Calamari
Rinse the calamari rings under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- 2
Make the Breading Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- 3
Soak in Buttermilk
Place the calamari rings in a separate bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for about 30 minutes.
- 4
Dredging
After soaking, remove the calamari from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge the rings in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
Frying
- 5
Heat the Oil
In a deep pot or fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- 6
Fry the Calamari
Carefully add the coated calamari rings to the hot oil in small batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- 7
Drain and Serve
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried calamari and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Season with additional salt if desired.
Marinara Sauce Preparation
- 8
- 9
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- 10
Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 11
Finish the Sauce
Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving. Remove from heat.
