Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRestaurante Tio PepeCalamari Recipe

Calamari Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Fried calamari served with marinara sauce.

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Ingredients

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Calamari

Method

Preparing the Calamari

  1. 1

    Cleaning the Calamari

    Rinse the fresh calamari under cold water and remove the skin. Cut the calamari into rings about 1/2 inch thick.

  2. 2

    Marinating

    Place the calamari rings in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Breading and Frying

  1. 3

    Breading Mixture

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

  2. 4

    Coating Calamari

    Remove the calamari from the buttermilk and let excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge the calamari rings in the breading mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.

  3. 5

    Frying

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Carefully add the coated calamari rings in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Making the Marinara Sauce

  1. 6

    Sautéing Garlic

    In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.

  2. 7

    Cooking the Sauce

    Add the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  3. 8

    Finishing Touches

    Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat.

Serving

  1. 9

    Plating the Dish

    Serve the fried calamari hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

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