Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce: A Classic Appetizer/2025🦑Craving a crispy, flavorful, and irresistible appetizer? Look no further than Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce! Tender squid rings, coated in a light and crispy batter, are fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy marinara sauce. This classic dish is perfect for parties, gatherings, or any time you want a satisfying and delicious treat.
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Why You’ll Love This Fried Calamari (and Why It’s So Good) 🦑
- Crispy and Tender: The ideal texture combination – crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Flavorful: Seasoned squid paired with a rich marinara sauce.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a straightforward frying technique.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Ingredients for the Best Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce 🦑
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Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary delight: 🦑
- For the Calamari:
- 1 pound cleaned squid tubes, bodies cut into rings, tentacles separated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce 🦑
Prepare the Marinara Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Calamari: In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
Coat the Calamari: Dredge each piece of squid in the battering mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Fry the Calamari: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the calamari to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Serve: Remove the fried calamari from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with the warm marinara sauce.
Tips for Perfectly Fried Calamari 🦑
Dry the Squid: Pat the squid dry before coating it in the batter. This will help the batter adhere better. Hot Oil: Use hot oil for frying to ensure the calamari cooks quickly and becomes crispy. Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy calamari. Double Fry (Optional): For extra crispy calamari, you can fry it once at a lower temperature for a longer time, then fry it again at a higher temperature for a shorter time just before serving.
Serving Suggestions (Beyond the Basics) 🦑
This Fried Calamari is fantastic served with:
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright and refreshing touch.
- Tartar Sauce: A classic dipping sauce for fried seafood.
- Aioli: A creamy and garlicky dipping sauce.
- French Fries: A classic pairing with fried seafood.
Variations on Fried Calamari 🦑
Spicy Fried Calamari: Add more cayenne pepper or other spices to the batter for a spicier kick. Lemon Pepper Fried Calamari: Use lemon pepper seasoning in the batter. Garlic Parmesan Fried Calamari: Add grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder to the batter.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving) 🦑
Calories: 400 Protein: 20g Fat: 25g Carbohydrates: 25g
Final Thoughts
This Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce is a truly delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s perfect for any occasion when you want a satisfying and flavorful treat.