Fried Calamari recipe served on a plate, by Ruth Ann's Restaurant
Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRuth Ann's RestaurantFried Calamari Recipe

Fried Calamari Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Lightly breaded and fried calamari served with marinara sauce.

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Ingredients

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Calamari

Method

Preparing the Marinara Sauce

  1. 1

    Cook the Garlic

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

  2. 2

    Add Tomatoes and Spices

    Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  3. 3

    Finish the Sauce

    Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the chopped fresh basil. Remove from heat and set aside.

Frying the Calamari

  1. 4

    Prepare the Calamari

    Rinse the calamari rings under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. In a bowl, season the calamari with salt and black pepper.

  2. 5

    Make the Batter

    In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add water, stirring until the batter is smooth and thick.

  3. 6

    Heat the Oil

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

  4. 7

    Fry the Calamari

    Dip the seasoned calamari rings into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

  5. 8

    Drain and Serve

    Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried calamari and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with the marinara sauce.

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