Lightly Breaded Calamari Recipe

Prepare the Calamari

Rinse the calamari strips under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Set Up Breading Station

In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour in the first, whisk the eggs in the second, and mix the breadcrumbs, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in the third.

Bread the Calamari

Dip each calamari strip into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.

Heat Oil

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

Fry the Calamari

Fry the breaded calamari in batches for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Sauté Aromatics

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Spices

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finish the Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the chopped parsley for freshness. Remove from heat.