Fried Calamari Recipe
Crispy calamari served with marinara sauce.
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Ingredients
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Calamari
Marinara Sauce
Method
Preparing the Calamari
- 1
Cleaning the Calamari
Begin by cleaning the fresh calamari. Remove the head and innards, then rinse the body and tentacles under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- 2
Cutting the Calamari
Slice the calamari into rings about 1/2 inch thick. Set aside.
- 3
Preparing the Breading
In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This will be your dry breading mixture.
- 4
- 5
Breading the Calamari
Dip each calamari ring first into the egg wash, then into the dry breading mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
Frying the Calamari
- 6
Heating the Oil
In a deep frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
- 7
Frying the Calamari
Carefully add the breaded calamari rings to the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Making the Marinara Sauce
- 8
Sautéing Garlic
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 9
Simmering the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the saucepan. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- 10
Finishing the Sauce
Stir in the fresh basil just before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serving
- 11
Plating the Dish
Serve the crispy fried calamari hot, accompanied by the marinara sauce for dipping.