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Ingredients
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For the Calamari
For the Marinara Sauce
Method
Preparing the Calamari
- 1
Clean and Cut the Calamari
Begin by cleaning the fresh calamari. Remove the head and innards, and peel off the skin. Rinse under cold water, then slice the body into rings about 1/2 inch thick.
- 2
Prep the Breading
In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to create an even coating.
- 3
Dredge the Calamari
Toss the calamari rings in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off excess flour and place the coated calamari on a baking sheet.
Frying the Calamari
- 4
Heat the Oil
In a deep pan or fryer, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- 5
Fry the Calamari
Carefully add the breaded calamari to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- 6
Drain and Serve
Remove the fried calamari from the oil using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Making the Marinara Sauce
- 7
- 8
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, chopped basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- 9
Cook the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Serving
- 10
Plate and Serve
Serve the fried calamari hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious calamari!