5 Delicious Calamari Recipes You Must Try

Crispy Fried Calamari

Crispy Fried Calamari is a classic appetizer that tantalizes taste buds with its crunch and tenderness. Here's how you can make this delightful dish at home:

Ingredients:

• 500g squid, cleaned and cut into rings or tentacles
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (optional for color and flavor)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Marinara sauce or aioli for dipping

Preparation:

1. Start by heating the oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Dip each piece of squid into the flour mixture, ensuring it is well-coated but shake off any excess.
4. Once the oil is hot, fry the squid in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Use a slotted spoon to remove the calamari and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of sauce.

✅ Note: For extra crispiness, you can double coat the squid by dipping it in buttermilk or a beaten egg before rolling in the flour mixture a second time.

Grilled Calamari Steaks

Grilled calamari steaks offer a slightly different approach by grilling instead of frying, providing a healthier yet equally delicious option:

Ingredients:

• 4 calamari steaks (about 200g each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme (optional)

Preparation:

1. Prepare a marinade by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs if using.
2. Marinate the calamari steaks for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat.
4. Grill the steaks for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they get nice grill marks and are cooked through.
5. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon or with a garlic butter sauce.

🌟 Note: Calamari steaks cook very quickly; keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.

Calamari with Chickpea Stew

For those looking for a warm, comforting dish, Calamari with Chickpea Stew is a perfect choice:

Ingredients:

• 500g calamari, cut into rings
• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 400g canned tomatoes, diced
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add onion, and cook until translucent.
2. Add garlic and bell pepper, cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, chickpeas, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add the calamari, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the calamari is tender.
5. Garnish with parsley before serving.

⚠️ Note: Don't overcook the calamari; it should still have a bit of bite to it for the best texture.

Salted Calamari Salad

A light and refreshing option, this Salted Calamari Salad pairs well with summer meals or as a starter:

Ingredients:

• 500g small squid, cleaned and scored into diamond pattern
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Handful of cilantro leaves
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Preparation:

1. Blanch the scored squid in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar to make a dressing.
3. Add the squid, cucumber, carrot, onion, and cilantro to the dressing.
4. Toss well to combine, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with sesame seeds.

🌟 Note: Adjust the marinade time based on how strong you want the flavors to be; longer marination will give a more pronounced taste.

Calamari Pasta

This hearty pasta dish combines calamari with tomatoes, garlic, and chili for a taste explosion:

Ingredients:

• 500g spaghetti or linguine
• 500g squid rings or tentacles
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped (or canned)
• ¹⁄₄ cup dry white wine
• ¹⁄₄ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Preparation:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, until al dente.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan, add garlic and cook until golden.
3. Add tomatoes, cook for 5 minutes, then deglaze with white wine.
4. Stir in chili flakes if using, add squid, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Drain pasta, reserve some pasta water, and add pasta to the pan with sauce. Toss to combine, adding pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

In crafting these calamari recipes, we’ve delved into various culinary techniques from frying to grilling, and created dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a sophisticated dinner, or a light salad, these recipes provide versatility in preparation and flavor. They not only utilize the unique texture and flavor of calamari but also highlight its potential to enhance a wide array of dishes.