Quick Steps for Cooking Calamari Marinara for Beginners

Updated
2 min read

Calamari marinara –If you’re in the mood for a delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests, look no further than this delightful Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Sauce! This classic dish is crispy, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy, making it perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have everyone raving!

Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Sauce

This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also visually appealing. It’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired beautifully with a spicy marinara sauce that adds an extra kick. Below is a snapshot of what this dish looks like:

Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of squid, cleaned and cut into rings
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of buttermilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Fresh lemon wedges, for serving

For the Spicy Marinara Sauce:

  • 1 can (15 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Begin by preparing the spicy marinara sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. While the sauce is simmering, prepare the calamari. In one bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  4. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk. Dip each squid ring in the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then coat in the seasoned flour. Make sure they’re nicely coated.
  5. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated calamari in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried calamari and drain on paper towels.
  7. Serve the fried calamari hot, accompanied by the spicy marinara sauce and fresh lemon wedges for squeezing on top.

Enjoy each bite of this crispy fried calamari, combined with the tangy kick of the spicy marinara. It’s simply irresistible!