Fried Calamari

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 3

Total Time: 8

Servings: people

Calories: 349kcal

Author: Aleka Shunk

This crispy pan fried calamari is a delicious homemade recipe that is very similar to Olive Garden’s calamari recipe! It’s light, crispy, mixed with fried peppers and packed with flavor.

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Ingredients

1 lb calamari sliced into ⅓” - ½” rings
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ cup flour
1 tablespoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ yellow bell pepper sliced into 2” strips
½ red bell pepper sliced into 2” strips
1 jalapeno pepper sliced into rings
1 lemon for finishing
Fresh parsley for garnish
Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

Add oil 3” deep into a saucepan or 1” deep in a skillet over medium heat. Heat to 350 F.
Mix together the salt, pepper and flour in a medium bowl.
Add in your sliced calamari rings and coat well in the seasoned flour.
Shake off excess flour and add to hot oil in small batches. Calamari cooks VERY fast. Remove after 1-2 minutes MAX or they will get tough.
When both sides are golden brown, drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Repeat with the rest of the calamari.
Lastly, coat the peppers in the flour and fry until golden brown.
Add fried peppers and calamari to a plate. Garnish with chopped parsley, lemon wedges and serve with marinara sauce on the side.

Notes

Note: Some people find that marinating the calamari in buttermilk will help to tenderize it more. I don't notice a difference as much as focusing on the cook time. As long as you do not overcook it, it should be tender!

Nutrition