
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 Marinara Sauce
- 1
- 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
Finish the Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the chopped fresh basil. Remove from heat and set aside.
Frying the Calamari
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.