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Crispy Fried Calamari with Zesty Marinara Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy fried calamari paired with a bright, flavorful zesty marinara sauce. Perfect as a snack or appetizer for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Calamari rings, fresh or frozen, cleaned and patted dry
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (60 g) cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk (dairy or dairy-free like almond milk)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • About 4 cups vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil preferred) for frying
  • For the Zesty Marinara Sauce:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Rinse the calamari rings under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; whisk until evenly mixed.
  3. In another bowl, beat eggs with milk until smooth.
  4. Dip each calamari ring into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place coated rings on a plate and rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Heat about 4 cups of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry calamari in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  7. Remove calamari with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt while hot.
  8. While frying, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  9. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until slightly thickened.
  10. Stir in lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
  11. Serve crispy fried calamari hot with warm zesty marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra basil or lemon wedge if desired.

Notes

Pat calamari dry thoroughly to prevent oil splatter and soggy coating. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Let coated calamari rest 10 minutes before frying to help coating adhere. Reheat leftovers in oven on wire rack to keep crispy; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy fried calamari, calamari recipe, fried squid, zesty marinara sauce, appetizer, seafood snack, easy calamari

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/crispy-fried-calamari-recipe-easy-zesty-marinara-sauce-perfect-snack/