Crispy Calamari Marinara Dipping (Printable View)
Tender squid rings in crispy batter with zesty homemade marinara. Classic Italian appetizer ready in 35 minutes.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Calamari
01 - 1 lb cleaned squid, sliced into rings
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
→ Breading
03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 - ½ cup cornstarch
05 - 1 tsp sea salt
06 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
07 - ½ tsp paprika
08 - Vegetable oil, for frying
→ Marinara Sauce
09 - 1 tbsp olive oil
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - ½ tsp dried basil
14 - ½ tsp sugar
15 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
16 - Lemon wedges
17 - Fresh parsley, chopped
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Submerge calamari rings in buttermilk and refrigerate for 15 minutes to ensure tender texture.
02 - Warm olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning and keep warm.
03 - Combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika in a shallow dish until evenly blended.
04 - Bring oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy pan.
05 - Lift calamari from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Press rings into flour mixture until thoroughly coated.
06 - Fry calamari in small batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
07 - Transfer fried calamari to paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately with warm marinara, lemon wedges, and fresh parsley.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The buttermilk soak makes the calamari impossibly tender while creating the perfect surface for that ultra crispy coating
- Homemade marinara sauce comes together in the same time it takes to fry, meaning everything hits the table piping hot
02 -
- Overcrowding the pan drops the oil temperature and guarantees soggy calamari
- The buttermilk step is not optional, it is what prevents rubbery texture
03 -
- A pinch of cayenne in the flour mixture adds subtle heat
- Gluten free flour works perfectly if needed for guests