Are you ready to embark on a delicious culinary adventure featuring grilled calamari that will transport you to a warm summer holiday by the sea? Freshly grilled calamari is an irresistible treat for seafood lovers, and it’s easier to prepare at home than you might think. Transforming a whole calamari into a delectable dish doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, you’ll find that the satisfaction of preparing your own fresh seafood is worth the effort.
This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process of getting your hands on fresh calamari, preparing it from scratch, and crafting an unforgettable meal using both Greek and Italian-inspired recipes. Not only will you become the master of cooking grilled calamari, but you’ll also gain confidence in your seafood cooking skills overall.
Key Takeaways
Fresh grilled calamari is a delightful and accessible dish to make at home.
Mastering the art of preparing calamari from scratch is simple with the right guidance.
Experimenting with various grilled calamari recipes will expand your culinary horizons and confidence in cooking seafood.
Grilled Calamari
You might not realize it, but you’ve probably enjoyed grilled calamari before. It’s actually the culinary name for squid, a popular ingredient in various global cuisines. In some countries, calamari also refers to octopus, but in Europe and the Mediterranean, it’s widely known as squid.
Grilled calamari is often found in different forms, such as:
Appetizers – Grilled or deep-fried calamari rings served with a dipping sauce.
Main Courses – Grilled calamari featured as the star of the dish.
Street Food – In Asia, calamari is served deep-fried with salt and pepper as a tasty on-the-go snack.
Even in Australia and New Zealand, you’ll find fried calamari served with chips. There’s just something special about the taste and texture of fresh calamari cooked on the grill.
Now, you might be hesitant to try cooking calamari due to its cost. It’s true that some seafood can be expensive, largely due to overfishing and the inability to farm squid like other meats. However, not all seafood is pricey—just think about the affordability of sardines!
Splurging on fresh squid for a grilled calamari dish is truly worth it. Not only will you enjoy the delicious taste, but you’ll also benefit from the nutrients it offers. So go ahead and treat yourself to some delicious grilled calamari—you won’t be disappointed!
Where and How to Buy Calamari
When buying calamari, remember that quality matters, so visit your local fishmonger or fish market for the best options. There are three sizes to choose from:
Small: tiny tentacle-like ones
Medium: around 30 cm in length and 5 – 10 mm in flesh thickness. This is the best option for grilled calamari recipes!
Large: thick flesh, might require more tenderizing and could end up rubbery.
Aim for a medium-sized calamari with an 80:20 body to tentacle ratio. Inspect the flesh by running your finger along it—look for silky smooth texture. Don’t forget to use your nose; if it smells of ammonia, it’s bad quality.
As a last resort, you may purchase frozen calamari. Deep-frying them is highly recommended in this case. Remember, always aim for quality when selecting calamari to ensure a delicious outcome.
How to Prepare Calamari
To begin with, grab a knife and a barbecue. Gently detach the head from the body of the calamari. There are tough, cartilage-like parts within its body that need to be removed and discarded. Cut off the tentacles and set them aside for marinating.
Next, use a fish knife to cut off the “wings.” Remove the hard part that runs along the wing and discard it. Save the wings for marinating as well. Make an incision down the body, flatten it on a chopping board in one even layer, and remove the digestive system. Scrape everything off and take away any membrane.
Lastly, make crisscross cuts over the body, which prevents warping during cooking and helps the marinade penetrate the flesh for extra flavor. Cut the calamari into smaller pieces.
For the marinade, consider using paprika, honey, and oregano. Alternatively, create a lime and chili marinade. Seafood marinades typically feature lemon, which tenderizes the squid. Allow the calamari to marinate for 24 hours or overnight, but know that it can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days if you forget.
When you’re ready to cook, place the marinated calamari on a hot barbecue and grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until caramelized. This results in beautiful, smoky calamari without excess oil.
To maintain a healthy dish, pair your calamari with a Greek Salad. Enjoy!
Grilled Calamari – Greek-style
For a delicious, Greek-style grilled calamari, try using a honey and oregano marinade. To enhance flavor, marinate the squid overnight or up to a full day. If short on time, marinating for a few hours will do. Enjoy this high-protein, low-calorie dish and consider pairing it with a small Greek salad for a balanced and delightful meal.
Grilled Calamari Recipe – Italian
Enhance your grilled calamari with lemon and rosemary for a true Italian flair. Complement the dish with roasted artichoke hearts and freshly cut fennel to elevate the Mediterranean experience. Enjoy the exquisite flavors!
Grilled Calamari Salad
Nutrition
In this delightful grilled calamari salad, here’s what you can expect in terms of nutrition:
Calories: 137
Fat: 1.7 g
Carbohydrates: 1.7 g
Protein: 25 g
Enjoy this healthy and delicious meal with a lovely glass of fruity white wine, a vibrant rosé, or even Prosecco. Remember to marinate your calamari overnight and grill to perfection. Happy eating!
Pat the calamari dry with paper towels, and then drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
Season the calamari with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
Place the calamari on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until firm and slightly charred.
Serve immediately with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley.
How does Jamie Oliver prepare grilled calamari?
Jamie Oliver’s grilled calamari recipe includes marinating the calamari in a flavorful mixture with chili, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. The calamari is then grilled to perfection and served with a fresh salad and crusty bread. You can find Jamie Oliver’s full recipe here.
Which Italian seasonings work best for grilled calamari?
The following Italian seasonings work well for enhancing the flavor of grilled calamari:
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
