Calamari Recipe
Lightly breaded and fried calamari with spicy marinara.
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Ingredients
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Calamari
Spicy Marinara Sauce
Method
Preparing the Calamari
- 1
Clean the Calamari
Rinse the fresh calamari under cold water. Remove the outer skin and any innards, if necessary. Cut the calamari into rings about 1/2 inch thick.
- 2
Prepare the Breading
In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- 3
Bread the Calamari
Dip each calamari ring into the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well covered.
Frying the Calamari
- 4
Heat the Oil
In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- 5
Fry the Calamari
Carefully add the breaded calamari rings to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- 6
Drain and Keep Warm
Remove the fried calamari with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Making the Spicy Marinara Sauce
- 7
Sauté the Garlic
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 8
Combine Ingredients
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- 9
Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 10
Finish with Basil
Stir in the fresh basil just before serving, allowing it to wilt slightly in the warm sauce.
Serving
- 11
Plate the Dish
Serve the crispy fried calamari on a plate with a side of spicy marinara sauce for dipping.