– 1 lb calamari – 1/2 cup flour – 1/2 cup corn meal – 1/4 cup cornstarch – 1 tsp garlic powder – 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper – 2 tsp salt – 2 large eggs – 5 tbsp salted butter – 1 cup sliced banana/pepperoncini/cherry pepper rings – 2 garlic cloves finely chopped – frying oil – lemon wedges – marinara sauce
– Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy bottom pan over medium heat until the oil reaches 375 degrees. – Whisk the eggs in a bowl and set to the side. Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Dunk the calamari in the egg and shake off the excess. Dunk the calamari in the flour mixture, then shake off the excess. Place the calamari on a plate as you work through it.
– Place a handful of calamari rings in the frying oil at a time. Allow the calamari to cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until it's lightly browned. Remove the calamari with a slotted spoon, then plate on a paper towel lined plate. – In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sautè the garlic and pepper rings until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Once all the calamari is fried, toss the calamari in the pan with the butter mixture and coat evenly. – Serve the calamari with marinara sauce, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley.