10+ Calamari Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Calamari is a versatile and delicious seafood option that can be prepared in many ways. Whether you prefer it fried, grilled, or sautéed, calamari can be a delightful treat for any occasion.

You can easily impress your family and friends with a variety of calamari recipes that highlight its unique taste and texture.

From crispy fried rings served with a tangy dipping sauce to spicy sautéed versions bursting with flavors, there is a calamari recipe to suit everyone’s palate. As you explore these recipes, you’ll discover just how fun and satisfying it is to cook with this unique ingredient.

1) Crispy Fried Calamari

Crispy fried calamari is a delicious seafood treat that is perfect as an appetizer or snack. You can achieve the best texture by using fresh squid.

Start by slicing the calamari into rings. Soaking them in buttermilk adds tenderness. This process helps the coating adhere better.

For the coating, you will need flour mixed with spices. You can use garlic powder, salt, and pepper for flavor. Deep fry the calamari until they turn golden brown.

Serve your crispy fried calamari hot with lemon wedges for a refreshing touch. Enjoy them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) squid (cleaned and cut into rings)
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• Garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
• Canola oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the squid rings in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (180°C).
4. Dredge squid rings in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Fry in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.

2) Spicy Sautéed Calamari with Capers and Olives

This spicy sautéed calamari recipe is a delightful way to enjoy seafood. The combination of fresh calamari, capers, and olives adds a burst of flavor. You can have this dish ready in just a few minutes.

Start by preparing the ingredients. Slice the calamari into rings and gather your capers, olives, garlic, and hot pepper. This dish pairs well with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra zing.

Cook the calamari in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and hot pepper first for a minute, then toss in the calamari, olives, and capers. Sauté until the calamari is tender.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh calamari, cleaned and sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 hot pepper, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Olive oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and hot pepper, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Add calamari, capers, and olives to the pan.
4. Sauté until calamari is tender, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Squeeze lemon juice over the dish before serving.

3) Calamari in Tomato and Shallot Sauce

This dish highlights fresh calamari cooked in a savory tomato and shallot sauce. The combination of flavors makes it delightful and easy to prepare.

You will start by cleaning the calamari. Slice it into rings or use pre-cleaned calamari for convenience. Sauté shallots in olive oil until they are soft.

Next, add garlic, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer the mixture until the tomatoes break down. Finally, add the calamari and cook just until tender.

This dish pairs well with pasta or crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari, cleaned and sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 shallot, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Sauté diced shallots until soft.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in canned tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down.
6. Add calamari and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

4) Baked Calamari with Lemon Zest

Baked calamari with lemon zest is a delicious way to enjoy this seafood dish. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the natural taste of calamari. This recipe is simple and perfect for any occasion.

Start by preparing your calamari. Make sure to clean and cut it into rings or strips. A quick marinade in lemon juice and olive oil adds flavor.

For the breading, mix breadcrumbs with lemon zest, garlic, and some herbs. This adds a nice crunch to your calamari. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown.

Serve with a lemon wedge for an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari, cleaned and cut
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Marinate calamari in lemon juice and olive oil for 15 minutes.
3. Mix breadcrumbs, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Coat calamari with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.

5) Calamari with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

For a delicious calamari dish, try making it with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This method gives you a crunchy texture that pairs well with tender squid.

Start by preparing your calamari rings. Pat them dry and season them with salt and pepper.

Then, mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder and your favorite herbs. Coat each calamari ring in the breadcrumb mixture for extra crunch.

Fry them in hot oil until golden brown at 350°F (175°C). This will only take a few minutes.

Serve your calamari with a squeeze of lemon and your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty treat!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) calamari rings
• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Dry the calamari and season with salt and pepper.
2. Combine breadcrumbs and garlic powder.
3. Coat the calamari rings in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the calamari until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve with lemon wedges.

6) Buttermilk-soaked Fried Calamari

Buttermilk-soaked fried calamari is a delicious treat. The buttermilk helps to tenderize the squid, making it juicy and flavorful. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a main course.

To start, soak your squid in buttermilk for about 10 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial for tenderness. While your squid soaks, mix flour with salt and pepper in a bowl.

Once soaked, coat the squid in the seasoned flour. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the squid until it turns golden brown.

It’s best to serve fried calamari hot from the fryer. You can pair it with a tasty dipping sauce, like lemon aioli.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound squid, cleaned and cut into rings
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions:

1. Soak squid in buttermilk for 10-30 minutes.
2. Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Coat squid in the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
5. Fry squid until golden brown.
6. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

7) Calamari with Garlic and Hot Pepper

This dish is a tasty way to enjoy calamari. The combination of garlic and hot pepper adds a wonderful flavor. Fresh squid is quick to cook, making this dish perfect for a weeknight meal.

Start by cleaning the calamari and slicing it into rings. Heat olive oil in a pan and add minced garlic and sliced hot peppers. Sauté until the garlic is golden.

Next, add the squid to the pan. Cook for just a few minutes until it turns opaque. Season with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Serve this calamari hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 hot peppers, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean and slice the calamari into rings.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
3. Add minced garlic and sliced hot peppers, sautéing until golden.
4. Add calamari and cook for 2-3 minutes until opaque.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

8) Grilled Calamari with Lemon and Herbs

Grilled calamari with lemon and herbs is a simple and delicious recipe. The combination of fresh flavors makes it a great dish for any occasion. You’ll love how quick it is to prepare.

To start, you will need fresh calamari and a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Marinating the calamari helps to infuse the flavors before grilling.

When grilling, cook the calamari for just a few minutes on each side until tender. Keep an eye on it, as overcooking can make it tough.

Serve your grilled calamari with extra lemon wedges for a zesty finish. Enjoy it as an appetizer or a light meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari, cleaned
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (like parsley or oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the calamari and marinate for 15-30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C).
4. Grill the calamari for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Remove from the grill and serve warm with lemon wedges.

9) Lemon-Pepper Air Fried Calamari

Lemon-pepper air fried calamari is a tasty treat that’s quick to make. The zesty lemon and pepper give it a refreshing flavor. You can enjoy it as an appetizer or a light meal.

To make this dish, start with fresh or frozen calamari. The cooking method will help keep it tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. It’s a healthier twist compared to traditional frying.

Serve your lemon-pepper calamari with a lemon wedge for an extra kick. This dish pairs well with a simple aioli or dipping sauce for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Olive oil spray

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix calamari, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.
3. Coat calamari with breadcrumbs.
4. Spray olive oil on the coated calamari.
5. Place calamari in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

10) Southern-style Cornmeal Fried Calamari

Southern-style cornmeal fried calamari brings a delicious crunch to your table. The coating of cornmeal gives it a distinct flavor, perfect for dipping.

Start by cleaning your squid and cutting it into rings. Then, soak the rings in buttermilk for a bit. This will help the coating stick better.

Next, mix cornmeal with spices like garlic powder and cayenne. Toss the soaked squid in this mix until they are well-coated.

Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the squid for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb cleaned calamari, cut into rings
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak squid rings in buttermilk for 20 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, garlic powder, and cayenne.
3. Coat squid rings with the cornmeal mixture.
4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry squid for 2-3 minutes until golden.
6. Serve with dipping sauce.