Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish for your next gathering? Look no further than this Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Recipe! This dish is crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The calamari is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, giving you the perfect texture in every bite.
- The spicy marinara sauce adds a kick of flavor that complements the fried calamari beautifully.
- This recipe is quick and easy to make, making it a great option for meal prep or last-minute entertaining.
Ingredient Notes:
- pound cleaned squid, bodies cut into rings and tentacle pieces: The squid provides a tender and flavorful seafood base for this dish.
- Buttermilk: Marinating the squid in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and reduce any fishy odor.
- All-purpose flour, cornstarch, sea salt, Italian seasoning, granulated onion, granulated garlic, black pepper, white pepper: These ingredients make up the flavorful coating for the calamari.
- Oil for frying, paprika, chopped parsley, lemon wedges: These ingredients add extra flavor and garnish to the dish.
- Olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, crushed tomatoes: These ingredients are used to make the spicy marinara sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions based on Ingredients:
- Marinate the cleaned squid in buttermilk for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare the spicy marinara sauce by sautéing garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, then adding crushed tomatoes and simmering.
- Mix the flour, cornstarch, sea salt, Italian seasoning, granulated onion, granulated garlic, and both black and white pepper to create a coating mixture.
- Heat oil to 350°F and coat the squid in the flour mixture before frying in batches.
- Drain the fried calamari on paper towels and season with salt, white and black pepper, and paprika.
- Serve the fried calamari with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and the spicy marinara sauce for dipping.
Helpful Tips:
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for crispy calamari.
- Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
- The spicy marinara sauce can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinating the squid in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
- Fry the calamari in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Serve the dish immediately after frying for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara with a side of garlic bread and a refreshing cucumber salad. Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine or a citrusy cocktail for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover fried calamari in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the calamari on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen calamari for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen calamari, just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. - Can I substitute the squid for another type of seafood?
You can try this recipe with shrimp or even fish fillets for a different twist. - How can I make the calamari extra crispy?
Make sure to coat the calamari pieces in the flour mixture evenly and fry them in hot oil for a crispy texture.
Conclusion:
Get ready to impress your guests with this Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara recipe! With its crispy texture, flavorful coating, and spicy marinara sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out!
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Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Recipe features tender calamari rings coated in a flavorful seasoning, fried to perfection, and served with a zesty homemade marinara sauce. A delightful appetizer or main course for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cleaned squid, bodies cut into rings 1/4” – 1/2”, plus tentacle pieces
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- …
Instructions
- Marinate the squid: Place cleaned squid in buttermilk for 2 hours.
- Prepare the spicy marinara sauce: Sauté garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, then add crushed tomatoes and simmer.
- …
Notes
- Marinating squid in buttermilk tenderizes the meat.
- Maintain oil temperature at 375°F for crispy calamari.
- Fry calamari in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
- …
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg