Taking center stage in many seafood lovers’ hearts is calamari – an incredibly versatile dish that can be prepared in countless ways to delight your senses. Whether it’s crispy fried or tender grilled, there are numerous recipes out there to cater to every individual’s taste preferences. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of the most mouth-watering calamari recipes that are sure to leave you yearning for more.
So, grab a seat and get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the diverse world of calamari creations, exploring flavors and cooking techniques that will elevate your dining experience.
Air Fryer Calamari
Versatile in its applications, Air Fryer Calamari offers a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried calamari while maintaining the same crispy texture and flavor. To achieve this, the calamari is coated with a breading mixture consisting of seasoned semolina flour, all-purpose flour, and stone ground yellow cornmeal, which provides an ideal balance of crunch and seasonality.
Buttermilk Fried Calamari with Lemon Aioli
Often, traditional calamari appetizers can get a bit monotonous, but the Buttermilk Fried Calamari with Lemon Aioli brings a refreshing twist to the classic. The key to this delightful dish lies in its unique marination process, where the calamari is soaked in buttermilk, yielding a tender and incredibly flavorful bite that’s sure to impress. The outer coating, expertly seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper, adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
But what truly sets this dish apart is its accompaniment – a tangy and creamy lemon aioli that perfectly complements the crispy calamari, creating an irresistible combination that’s sure to leave even the most discerning palates begging for more.
Crispy Fried Calamari
Savoring the flavors of Greece, Crispy Fried Calamari is a delectable meze dish that embodies simplicity and flavor in perfect harmony. To create this mouth-watering appetizer, calamari rings are delicately coated with a mixture of flour and savory seasonings, resulting in an irresistible crunch. The recipe recommends using thicker slices of calamari to amplify the taste experience.
The squid is then carefully fried until golden brown, after which it’s served with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Whether enjoyed as a starter or main course, Crispy Fried Calamari pairs remarkably well with classic Greek salad and crispy fries.
Spicy Two Minute Calamari
Keeping flavor at its forefront, Spicy Two Minute Calamari stands out from traditional recipes by incorporating an exciting combination of ingredients. The dish features tender calamari paired with bright tomatoes, briny capers, and the subtle sweetness of peppadew peppers, all balanced by a hint of spiciness that adds depth to each bite.
A key aspect that sets this recipe apart is its healthier approach, eliminating the need for deep-frying the calamari in favor of a quicker sauté method, making it an attractive option for those looking to indulge without sacrificing nutrition.
Fried Calamari
Lightly battered fried calamari is a beloved appetizer worldwide, renowned for its delicate flavor and satisfying crunch. The combination of all-purpose flour, rice flour, and baking powder in the batter creates a golden-brown crust that remains crisply delicious even after serving. This delightful dish is often paired with lemon and your preferred dipping sauce, allowing you to fully appreciate the mild sweetness of squid.
Italian Fried Calamari
Delighting in the taste and texture of Italian cuisine, Italian Fried Calamari is a simple yet delicious appetizer that combines fresh squid with essential ingredients like flour, olive oil, and crushed garlic. The precise method used in this recipe ensures that the calamari turns out crispy rather than rubbery, making it an ideal choice for seafood enthusiasts.
This dish can be served in two ways: accompanied by lemon wedges or paired with a side of marinara sauce, both options adding to its overall flavor profile.
Italian Stuffed Calamari
Often, when we think of special occasions or holiday dinners, we tend to lean towards traditional dishes that are rich in flavor and presentation. One such dish that stands out is the Italian Stuffed Calamari, which has all the makings of a memorable meal. The calamari tubes are stuffed with a delightful mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.
To further elevate this dish, it’s then braised in a rich red sauce that adds depth and complexity to each bite. When served over pasta or polenta, the Italian Stuffed Calamari makes for a satisfying and elegant meal, perfect for any special gathering. A bonus option with this recipe is the ability to bake the stuffed calamari instead of braising it, providing an alternative preparation method that’s just as impressive.
Ultimately, Italian Stuffed Calamari is a deceptively simple yet incredibly effective dish that’s sure to wow your guests and become a new favorite.
Salt & Pepper Calamari
Beyond the simplicity of its preparation, the Salt & Pepper Calamari recipe is elevated by the combination of marinating the calamari in rice wine vinegar and seasoning for an added depth of flavor. This process enables the calamari to absorb the flavors of the marinade, which complements perfectly with the seasoned corn flour mixture it’s coated in afterwards. The result is a crispy fried calamari that’s bursting with flavour.
Optional toppings such as spring onion, togarashi seasoning, chili, basil, and lime or lemon wedges can be added for extra zest, while dipping sauces like wasabi mayo and tartare sauce add an additional layer of richness and enjoyment. Overall, this recipe presents a delicious and satisfying starter snack that’s sure to impress.
Calamari Stew
Often overlooked as an appetizer option, Calamari Stew can actually make for a satisfying main course when paired with the right accompaniments. The combination of tender calamari and rich tomato sauce creates a flavorful base that’s elevated by the brininess of green olives and the freshness of parsley. Whether you serve it alongside artisanal bread or a side of creamy homemade polenta, Calamari Stew is sure to impress guests at any gathering.
Its versatility and ease of preparation make it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or special occasion alike.
Salt and Pepper Calamari
Finding the perfect balance between crispy and tender, Salt and Pepper Calamari has long been a staple on restaurant menus. This delectable dish is elevated by a unique seasoning blend that combines salt, pepper, and granulated garlic in harmony. Once a culinary favorite reserved for upscale eateries, it’s now easily replicable at home with just a few simple steps.
The secret to its irresistible crunch lies in the calamari rings’ double coating of cornstarch and flour, which yields an unparalleled textural experience when fried. A sprinkle of salt, pepper, and sliced green onions adds an extra layer of flavor, making this recipe an absolute must-try for any calamari enthusiast.
Air Fryer Frozen Calamari
Key to making this air fryer frozen calamari recipe work is using high-quality store-bought frozen calamari that can hold up well to cooking in the air fryer. The result is crispy and golden calamari in just a few minutes, without the hassle of deep-frying. It’s served with a creamy chipotle dipping sauce that adds a spicy and tangy flavor, elevating this snack or appetizer to new heights. This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and easy solution for a tasty treat.
Calamari Fritti
Delighting in the taste of Italian cuisine, Calamari Fritti stands out as a mouthwatering appetizer that easily surpasses restaurant versions. The tender rings of calamari are carefully dusted with a light coating and pan-fried to achieve a golden-brown perfection. Paired with a tangy Peri-Peri Yogurt Dip, this simple recipe is not only a pleasure to make but also significantly more cost-effective than ordering it at a restaurant.
The delicate texture of the calamari rings is expertly maintained, avoiding overcooking that can often be found in store-bought versions. The mild flavor of the calamari is neither overpowering nor fishy, making it an appealing option for both kids and adults alike. It’s a perfect choice for a family fish fry or as a delectable appetizer at home.
Spicy Calamari
Known for its bold flavors and versatility, Spicy Calamari has become a favorite among seafood enthusiasts. This delectable appetizer or side dish boasts an impressive list of benefits, including being gluten-free and low in carbs, making it an attractive option for those with dietary restrictions.
The calamari rings are expertly cooked in a non-stick frying pan with garlic and homemade Cajun powder, infusing them with a subtle smokiness and a pungent garlicky taste that will leave you wanting more. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a burst of citrusy freshness, rounding out the flavors and completing this mouth-watering dish. Whether served as an appetizer or side dish, Spicy Calamari is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you begging for another bite.
Baked Calamari
Zestfully delicious and healthier than traditional fried calamari, Baked Calamari makes for a fantastic light weeknight dinner option or game day appetizer. The unique combination of ingredients used in the recipe yields crispy and crunchy calamari rings that are sure to impress. The squid is carefully coated with a mixture of flour, eggs, Panko bread crumbs, cornmeal, and Old Bay spice, resulting in a richly flavored dish that’s both satisfying and enjoyable.
It’s an ideal way to introduce picky eaters to the taste of squid, as the texture is surprisingly kid-friendly. Whether served on its own or paired with a side of marinara for dipping, this baked calamari is sure to become a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
