Fried Calamari

• lb cleaned calamari, cut into rings↗1 lb
• cup cornmeal or 1/4 cup cornstarch↗1⁄4 cup
• eggs, slightly beaten↗2 2
• cloves garlic, mashed↗2 2
• cup breadcrumbs (I like garlic and parsley flavored)↗1 cup
• salt↗
• oil (for frying)

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   First, coat the calamari rings in corn meal, shaking them out to get rid of any excess.

2. 2

   Then dip them into a mixture of the eggs and garlic.

3. 3

   Lastly, dip them into the bread crumbs mixed with salt, coating them well, and shaking off any excess.

4. 4

   Up to this point may be done in advance, and the calamari rings refrigerated for a couple of hours, until you are ready to fry.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, heat the oil (the secret to crispy calamari is hot, hot oil, just below the smoking point.) Fry the rings (in batches) about 1 minute, or until they are golden.

6. 6

   Remove and drain on paper towels.

7. 7

   If you have a deep fryer it's best, but otherwise, make sure the oil is deep enough to cover the calamari.

8. 8

   Serve immediately with lemon wedges, garlic mayo, and marinara sauce.