calamari recipes with olive oil, or squid, is a versatile seafood that can be prepared in numerous ways, each showcasing its unique texture and flavor. When combined with olive oil, calamari becomes a delightful dish that highlights the essence of Mediterranean cooking. Here are two delicious recipes featuring calamari and olive oil.
1. Grilled Calamari with Lemon and Herbs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Calamari: Add the calamari rings to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Grill the Calamari: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the calamari from the marinade, shaking off excess. Grill the rings for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are opaque and slightly charred.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled calamari to a platter and drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
2. Crispy Fried Calamari
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- Olive oil for frying
- Lemon wedges and marinara sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Breading: In one bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and paprika. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk.
- Coat the Calamari: Dip each calamari ring into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the flour mixture, ensuring an even layer.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Fry the Calamari: Carefully add the coated calamari rings to the hot oil in batches, frying for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried calamari to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges and marinara sauce for dipping.