Fried Calamari Recipe
Lightly breaded and fried calamari served with marinara sauce.
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Ingredients
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Calamari
Marinara Sauce
Method
Preparing the Calamari
- 1
Soak the Calamari
In a bowl, soak the calamari rings in buttermilk for about 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the calamari.
- 2
Prepare the Breading
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
- 3
Bread the Calamari
Remove the calamari from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each ring in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Frying the Calamari
- 4
Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
- 5
Fry the Calamari
Carefully add the breaded calamari rings to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- 6
Drain the Calamari
Using a slotted spoon, remove the calamari from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Making the Marinara Sauce
- 7
- 8
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- 9
Simmer the Sauce
Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped basil just before serving.
Serving
- 10
Plate the Dish
Serve the fried calamari hot on a platter with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.