Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Fried ravioli is a crispy, golden snack that’s perfect for appetizers, parties, or a fun twist on a classic Italian dish. The crunchy exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy filling that pairs perfectly with tangy marinara sauce for dipping. Whether you’re looking for a savory snack or a delicious addition to a pasta night, fried ravioli is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Crispy and cheesy: A perfect combination of crispy breading and gooey cheese filling.
• Easy to make: Quick to prepare and cook, with minimal ingredients.
• Customizable: Use store-bought ravioli or make your own, and dip in your favorite sauce.
• Great for parties: A fun finger food that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

For the Fried Ravioli:

• Frozen or fresh ravioli: You can use any type of ravioli, such as cheese, meat, or vegetable-filled, depending on your preference.
• Flour: For dredging the ravioli before dipping in the egg wash.
• Eggs: Beaten, to coat the ravioli with a sticky layer before adding the breadcrumb mixture.
• Panko breadcrumbs: A key ingredient for creating a crispy and crunchy texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated, to add extra flavor to the breadcrumb coating.
• Garlic powder: Adds a savory touch to the breading.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning to taste.

For the Marinara Dipping Sauce:

• Marinara sauce: A classic dipping sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
• Olive oil: To give the sauce a smooth texture.
• Italian seasoning: For added flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for a bit of extra punch.

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil: For frying the ravioli to golden perfection.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

1. Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Coat the Ravioli

1. If using frozen ravioli, thaw them according to the package instructions.
2. Take each ravioli and dip it first in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Next, dip the floured ravioli into the egg wash, covering it completely.
4. Finally, coat the ravioli in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even and thick coating.
5. Repeat the process with all the ravioli.

Step 3: Fry the Ravioli

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the ravioli.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded ravioli in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Fry the ravioli for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried ravioli and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Marinara Dipping Sauce

1. While the ravioli is frying, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the crispy fried ravioli hot with the marinara dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Servings: 4
Calories: 400
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 15g

FAQ

Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A1: Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and place the breaded ravioli on a baking sheet. Spray them with a light coat of cooking spray and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Q2: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A2: Yes, fresh ravioli can be used for this recipe. Just be careful while frying, as fresh ravioli may cook faster than frozen ones.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can prepare the ravioli and bread them ahead of time. Place them in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour before frying to help them hold their shape.

Q4: What kind of ravioli is best for frying?
A4: Cheese-filled ravioli works great for frying, but you can also use meat or vegetable-filled ravioli if you prefer.

Q5: Can I use a different dipping sauce?
A5: Absolutely! You can serve these with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a spicy marinara for a different twist.

Q6: Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
A6: Yes, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a different texture or to make it gluten-free.

Q7: Can I freeze the fried ravioli?
A7: Yes, you can freeze the fried ravioli! Let them cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer when ready to eat.

Q8: Are these ravioli spicy?
A8: These ravioli are not spicy unless you add spicy seasoning to the breading or dipping sauce.

Q9: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
A9: Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works just fine! Feel free to jazz it up with some extra garlic, herbs, or red pepper flakes if you like.

Q10: How can I make these ravioli healthier?
A10: To make the recipe healthier, you can bake the ravioli instead of frying them, use whole wheat breadcrumbs, and opt for a low-sodium marinara sauce.

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