Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Sauce Recipe
This Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara recipe features tender squid rings and tentacles marinated in buttermilk, coated in a flavorful seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture, then perfectly fried to a golden crisp. Served with a zesty homemade spicy marinara sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, this dish is an irresistible appetizer or snack that delivers a satisfying crunch and bold mediterranean flavors.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Calamari and Coating
- 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, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, plus extra for sprinkling
- Oil, for frying (about 4-6 cups)
- Paprika, for sprinkling after frying
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Spicy Marinara Sauce
- About 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Squid: Place the cleaned squid rings and tentacles into a medium bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Allow the squid to marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours if preparing ahead, ensuring tender, flavorful seafood.
- Prepare the Spicy Marinara: Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the pressed garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, sautéing for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes aromatic, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop flavors. Set aside to serve warm or cool completely and refrigerate if preparing ahead.
- Mix the Coating: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sea salt, Italian seasoning, granulated onion, granulated garlic, and both black and white pepper to create a flavorful coating mixture.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 4 to 6 cups of oil into a large deep pan or pot and heat it to 375°F (190°C) for optimal frying temperature.
- Coat the Squid: Drain the squid well from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Toss the squid pieces in the flour and cornstarch mixture, thoroughly coating each ring and tentacle. Shake off any excess coating and place coated pieces on a plate, ready for frying.
- Fry the Calamari: Working in small batches (about 1/4 of the squid at a time), carefully add the coated calamari to the hot oil. Fry for approximately 2 1/2 minutes until the pieces turn a pale golden color and become crisp.
- Drain and Season: Remove the fried calamari with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Immediately season with a sprinkle of salt, white and black pepper, and paprika for extra flavor. Repeat until all calamari is fried.
- Serve: Arrange the fried calamari on a serving platter, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, and nestle lemon wedges around the dish. Serve hot with a ramekin of the warm spicy marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Marinating the squid in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and reduce any fishy odor.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F to ensure crispy, non-greasy calamari.
- Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy calamari.
- The spicy marinara sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Serve immediately after frying for the best texture and flavor.
Keywords: fried calamari, crispy calamari, spicy marinara, seafood appetizer, squid recipe, crispy fried seafood