Are you a fan of calamari? This versatile seafood delicacy can be prepared in countless ways to tantalize your taste buds. From crispy fried calamari to tender grilled calamari, there's a recipe out there to suit every palate.
In this blog post, we'll be exploring some of the best calamari recipes that are sure to leave you craving for more. So, grab a seat and get ready to dive into the world of delicious calamari creations!
1. Air Fryer Calamari
Air Fryer Calamari is a simple and delicious recipe that yields crispy calamari without the need for deep frying. The calamari is breaded with a mixture of seasoned semolina flour, all-purpose flour, and stone ground yellow cornmeal.
The result is a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce or homemade lemon garlic aioli. It's a great option for appetizer parties or as a side dish.
2. Buttermilk Fried Calamari with Lemon Aioli
The Buttermilk Fried Calamari with Lemon Aioli is a delightful twist on the classic calamari appetizer. The calamari is marinated in buttermilk, resulting in a tender and flavorful bite.
The crispy coating, seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, adds a satisfying crunch. Served with a tangy and creamy lemon aioli, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will leave you craving for more.
3. Crispy Fried Calamari
Crispy Fried Calamari is a traditional Greek meze that is simple yet flavorful. The calamari rings are coated in a mixture of flour and seasoning, resulting in a satisfying crunch.
The recipe suggests using thicker slices of calamari for a more pronounced taste. The calamari is fried until golden and served with a squeeze of lemon. It's a delicious starter or main dish that pairs well with Greek salad and fries.
4. Spicy Two Minute Calamari
Spicy Two Minute Calamari is a restaurant-worthy dish that packs a punch of flavor. The combination of bright tomatoes, tender calamari, briny capers, and sweet and spicy peppadew peppers creates a delicious and satisfying dish. What sets this recipe apart is that it doesn't require frying the calamari, making it a healthier alternative.
The calamari is simply sauteed and topped with herby crunchy panko breadcrumbs. It's versatile and can be enjoyed as a light summer bite or as an appetizer for a crowd. The cooking time for the calamari is only 2 minutes, making it quick and easy to prepare. Overall, this recipe is a winner for seafood lovers.
5. Fried Calamari
Fried Calamari is a classic appetizer made from tender squid rings coated in a light and crispy batter. The combination of all-purpose flour, rice flour, and baking powder creates a golden-brown crust that stays perfectly crisp.
Served with lemon and your choice of dipping sauce, this dish is a delightful way to enjoy the mild and slightly sweet flavor of squid.
6. Italian Fried Calamari
Italian Fried Calamari is a simple and delicious appetizer made with fresh squid, flour, olive oil, and crushed garlic. The recipe ensures that the calamari is crispy and not rubbery, making it a perfect choice for seafood lovers.
It can be served with lemon wedges or a side of marinara sauce. Overall, this recipe offers a quick and tasty way to enjoy fried calamari.
7. Italian Stuffed Calamari
Italian Stuffed Calamari is a flavorful and impressive dish that is perfect for special occasions or holiday dinners. Tender calamari tubes are stuffed with a delicious mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices. The calamari is then braised in a savory red sauce, adding richness and complexity to the dish.
Served over pasta or polenta, it makes for a satisfying and elegant meal. The recipe also offers the option to bake the stuffed calamari for a slightly different preparation. Overall, Italian Stuffed Calamari is a simple yet impressive dish that will surely impress your guests.
8. Salt & Pepper Calamari
The Salt & Pepper Calamari recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy fried calamari. The calamari is marinated in rice wine vinegar and seasoning for added flavor, then coated in a seasoned corn flour mixture.
The dish is garnished with optional toppings such as spring onion, togarashi seasoning, chili, basil, and lime or lemon wedges. It is served with dipping sauces like wasabi mayo and tartare sauce. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying starter snack.
9. Calamari Stew
Calamari Stew is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that can be enjoyed as a main dish or appetizer. The calamari is slowly simmered with olives in a flavorful tomato sauce until tender.
The addition of green olives adds a salty and tangy flavor to the stew, while the parsley adds freshness. This stew pairs well with artisan bread or homemade polenta. Overall, Calamari Stew is a delightful seafood dish that is perfect for any occasion.
10. Salt and Pepper Calamari
Salt and Pepper Calamari is the ultimate crispy and tender calamari recipe. It is perfectly seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, and granulated garlic. This restaurant favorite can now be easily made at home.
The calamari rings are coated in a mixture of cornstarch and flour, giving them a delightful crunch when fried. The dish is served with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and sliced green onions for added flavor. If you're a fan of calamari, this recipe is a must-try.
11. Air Fryer Frozen Calamari
Air Fryer Frozen Calamari is a quick and easy recipe that delivers crispy and delicious calamari in just a few minutes. The recipe uses store-bought frozen calamari, cooked in the air fryer for a golden and crispy texture.
It is served with a creamy chipotle dipping sauce, adding a spicy and tangy flavor to the dish. This recipe is a great option for a tasty snack or appetizer.
12. Calamari Fritti
Calamari Fritti is a delicious and crispy appetizer that surpasses restaurant versions. The rings of calamari are lightly dusted and pan-fried to golden perfection. Served with a tangy Peri-Peri Yogurt Dip, this recipe is easy to make and costs much less than ordering it at a restaurant.
The calamari rings are tender and not overcooked, with a mild flavor that is not fishy. It is a favorite among kids and perfect for a fish fry or as an appetizer at home.
13. Spicy Calamari
Spicy Calamari is a delicious and flavorful appetizer or side dish that is gluten-free and low in carbs. The calamari rings are cooked in a nonstick frying pan with garlic and homemade Cajun powder, giving them a slightly smoky and garlicky taste.
The dish is finished off with a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing touch. Overall, Spicy Calamari is a simple yet delightful recipe that is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a little kick in their calamari.
14. Baked Calamari
Baked Calamari is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried calamari. This recipe produces crispy and crunchy calamari rings that are perfect for a light weeknight dinner or a game day appetizer.
The calamari is coated in a mixture of flour, eggs, Panko bread crumbs, cornmeal, and Old Bay spice, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish. It's a great way to introduce squid to picky eaters, as the texture is kid-friendly. Whether served on its own or with marinara for dipping, this baked calamari is a crowd-pleaser.
15. Vegan Calamari
This Vegan Calamari recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to traditional calamari. Instead of squid, marinated soy curls are coated in a crispy flour batter and pan-fried.
The result is a chewy and flavorful appetizer that can be served with a garlic mayo dip or marinara sauce. It's a great option for vegans or those looking for a unique twist on calamari.
