Fried Calamari with Basil and Lemon with Arrabbiata

Name: Fried Calamari with Basil and Lemon with Arrabbiata
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds cleaned calamari, cut into rings; 2 cups milk, approximately; 2 cloves garlic; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; Vegetable oil, for deep-frying; 1 handful fresh basil leaves; 1 lemon, thinly sliced; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 large garlic cloves, chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes; 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes (recommended: San Marzano); 1/2 cup red wine; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper; 1 tablespoon sugar

Servings: persons

1 1/2 pounds cleaned calamari, cut into rings
2 cups milk, approximately
2 cloves garlic
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
1 handful fresh basil leaves
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes (recommended: San Marzano)
1/2 cup red wine
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar

1
Add calamari rings to a large mixing bowl and cover with milk (use more or less to completely cover the calamari.
2
Peel garlic cloves and gently bash with the side of a knife to open the clove and release some of the juices.
3
Add to the bowl, season with salt and pepper, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
4
Heat approximately 3-inches of vegetable oil to 350 degrees F. in a deep-fryer or heavy bottomed pot.
5
Remove calamari bowl from the refrigerator stir in the basil.
6
Set up 2 large mixing bowls: 1 with a colander sitting in it and the other with seasoned flour.
7
Dump the calamari into the colander and drain the milk.
8
Shake the colander to remove excess liquid then place the strained calamari and basil into the flour.
9
Toss to coat, and then place back into the colander to remove excess flour.
10
Fry (both calamari and basil leaves) in batches until crispy and golden brown, about 2 minutes.
11
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the calamari and basil leaves to a tray lined with paper towels to drain, as you cook.
12
For the Arrabbiata sauce:
13
Set a large skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
14
Add chopped garlic, onion and red pepper flakes.
15
Saute until fragrant then add tomatoes and wine.
16
Break up tomatoes with the back of your wooden spoon and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until some of the juice has reduced.
17
When done, give it a final seasoning with salt and pepper, then puree in a blender (or use an immersion blender) until smooth.
18
Season with salt and pepper and sugar and serve with calamari.

509

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 pounds cleaned calamari, cut into rings, 2 cups milk, approximately, 2 cloves garlic, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and more.

Yes, Fried Calamari with Basil and Lemon with Arrabbiata falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!