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Rhode Island style calamari is plated with marinara sauce, lemon wedges, and banana pepper rings.

Rhode Island-Style Calamari

Sea Salt Savorings
Rhode Island-style calamari is battered in a flour mixture, deep-fried to crispy perfection, then tossed with butter, garlic, cherry pepper, and pepperoncini.
4.90 from 39 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6
Calories 288 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or heavy bottom frying pot
  • 2 medium sized bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Optional ingredients

  • lemon wedges
  • marinara sauce

Instructions
 

  • 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. Mangia!

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 16gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 256mgSodium: 915mgPotassium: 266mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 462IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.

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