Calamari Fritti Recipe
Lightly breaded & fried squid, served with Ventano's homemade spicy marinara.
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Ingredients
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Calamari
Spicy Marinara
Method
Preparing the Spicy Marinara
- 1
- 2
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir in the red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 3
Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 4
Finish with Basil
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and remove the sauce from heat. Set aside while you prepare the calamari.
Preparing the Calamari
- 5
Prepare the Dry Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- 6
Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
- 7
Coat the Squid
Dredge the squid rings in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- 8
Fry the Calamari
Carefully drop the coated squid rings into the hot oil in batches (do not overcrowd the pan). Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, turning once.
- 9
Drain and Serve
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried calamari and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with the spicy marinara sauce on the side.