Crispy Fried Calamari Marinara (Printable)
Tender calamari rings lightly breaded and fried until crispy, paired with a bright marinara dipping sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Calamari
01 - 1.1 lbs fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into 1/2-inch rings
02 - 1 cup whole milk
03 - 1 tsp salt
→ Breading
04 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 1/2 cup fine cornmeal (optional)
06 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
07 - 1/2 tsp paprika
08 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Frying
09 - Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
→ Marinara Sauce
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
13 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - 1/2 tsp sugar
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste
17 - 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
→ Garnish
18 - Lemon wedges
19 - Fresh parsley, chopped
# How To Make:
01 - Place calamari rings in a bowl, cover with milk and 1 tsp salt. Let soak for 10 minutes to tenderize.
02 - In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornmeal if using, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or large skillet to 350°F (180°C) for frying.
04 - Heat olive oil over medium in a small saucepan. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in fresh basil if desired.
05 - Drain calamari and pat dry with paper towels. Dredge rings in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly, then shake off excess.
06 - Fry calamari in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
07 - Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce, lemon wedges, and chopped parsley.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It’s like sharing a secret with a friend: golden, tender calamari with a crispy crust that melts in your mouth.
- The zesty homemade marinara sauce adds the perfect balance, making every bite an irresistible treat.
02 -
- Don’t skip the soaking step—it makes all the difference for tender calamari instead of rubbery bites.
- The double-dip breading trick can turn good calamari into unforgettable crispy perfection.
03 -
- Use a deep pot or heavy skillet to maintain oil temperature and avoid greasy calamari.
- The secret that makes all the difference is gently patting calamari dry and shaking off excess flour before frying.