Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsSpeziaFried Spicy Calamari Recipe

Fried Spicy Calamari Recipe

Inspired by Spezia
Time40m
Serves4

With pepperoncini, roasted red and banana peppers. Olive oil butter garlic.

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Ingredients

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Calamari

Method

Preparing the Calamari

  1. 1

    Clean and Prepare Calamari

    If using whole calamari, clean and slice them into rings. Pat them dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

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

  3. 3

    Coat Calamari

    Toss the calamari rings in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Shake off excess flour.

Frying the Calamari

  1. 4

    Heat Oil

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

  2. 5

    Fry Calamari

    Carefully add the coated calamari rings in batches to the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

  3. 6

    Drain Calamari

    Using a slotted spoon, remove calamari from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Peppers and Sauce

  1. 7

    Sauté Peppers

    In a skillet, add olive oil, and sauté the pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, and banana peppers over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.

  2. 8

    Make Garlic Butter Sauce

    In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley.

Serving

  1. 9

    Combine and Serve

    Toss the fried calamari with the sautéed peppers and garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

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