Embark on a culinary journey with our tantalizing seared calamari recipe, a delightful seafood dish that promises an explosion of flavors. This delectable dish features tender calamari rings, expertly seared to perfection, complemented by a captivating basil sauce. The aromatic blend of fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil elevates the calamari, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the art of preparing this seafood delicacy, from selecting the freshest calamari to mastering the techniques for achieving the perfect sear. Discover the secrets of creating a flavorful marinade that infuses the calamari with a symphony of herbs and spices. Learn how to expertly sear the calamari, ensuring a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Along with the main recipe, we've included a curated collection of additional calamari recipes to satisfy every palate. Explore variations such as Calamari Fritti, where crispy calamari rings are coated in a light batter and fried to golden perfection. Indulge in the zesty Calamari Salad, a refreshing combination of tender calamari, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy dressing. For a unique twist, try the Calamari Paella, a Spanish-inspired dish that brings together succulent calamari, flavorful rice, and an array of vegetables.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary adventure, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to create a remarkable seared calamari dish that will impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on this delicious journey together!
EASY CALAMARI RECIPE WITH GARLIC LIME SAUCE
Easy skillet calamari recipe, cooked in a light garlic lime sauce finished fresh dill. Great for dinner or as a warm appetizer, see serving suggestions.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Entree
Time 11m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large cast iron skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1 tbsp of unsalted butter. Turn heat to medium-high and add the garlic, saute briefly, tossing regularly, until fragrant (this should take seconds, garlic should only gain a little color, do not burn it.)
- Pat calamari dry and add to the pan, cook for 1 to 2 minutes over medium-high heat (calamari will release some liquid.) Add white wine and lime juice. Cook briefly to warm though (do not overcook or calamari will turn rubbery. You are just looking for the sauce to warm through) Season with salt and pepper. If you like a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne.
- Finally, stir in the fresh dill. Remove from heat and serve (see serving suggestions in notes)
Nutrition Facts : Calories 282 calories, Sugar 0.5 g, Sodium 52.4 mg, Fat 18.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 9.2 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 18.5 g, Cholesterol 272.3 mg
CALAMARI WITH TOMATOES, CAPER BERRIES, AND BASIL
This slightly spicy sauce is referred to as all'acqua pazza in Italian, which means "crazy water."
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Seafood Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots, and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in tomatoes with juice, wine, water, chile, basil, orange zest, and 2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer gently until slightly thickened, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, using a kitchen mallet, pound both sides of calamari bodies a few times to tenderize, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch rings. (Leave tentacles whole, or halve if large.)
- Add calamari and caper berries to sauce. Cook until calamari are opaque, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in another skillet. Rub bread with garlic clove. Add clove to oil, and cook 2 minutes. Add bread, and fry, flipping once, until golden and crisp, about 1 1/2 minutes total. Put 1 slice of bread into each serving bowl, and top with calamari and sauce. Season with pepper. Drizzle with oil if desired, and garnish with basil.
SEARED CALAMARI WITH WHITE BEANS AND CHORIZO
Steps:
- In a small bowl, mix together the calamari rings, garlic, chili flakes, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chorizo and cook, shaking frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes or until slightly browned. Transfer the chorizo to a plate lined with a paper towel. Wipe out the skillet and return to high heat.
- Add the oil to the skillet and heat until very hot. Add the calamari mixture to the skillet; be careful because the pan will flame. Saute for a few minutes and then add the chorizo, beans and their juice, red bell peppers, parsley, lemon juice, and butter. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Adjust seasonings. If there isn't enough liquid, add a few tablespoons of clam juice or water.
- To serve, pour the stew into a shallow bowl and pass the croutons.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mix the olive oil, garlic, parsley, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper together. Cut the baguette into 1/4-inch slices at a severe angle. Lay baguette slices on a cookie sheet and brush with the seasoned oil. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden.
PAN-SEARED CALAMARI WITH SPICY MARINARA OVER LINGUINE
Provided by Robin Miller : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook linguine according to package directions.
- Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet and a small saucepot. To both, add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add calamari to the skillet and cook 2 minutes. Then to both, add pasta sauce and crushed red pepper flakes and bring to a simmer. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes, until calamari is tender. Reserve tomato sauce in the saucepot for another meal.
- Transfer linguine to a serving platter. Spoon all of the calamari and tomato sauce over linguine. Garnish with basil, if desired.
Tips:
- Buy fresh calamari: Look for calamari that is firm and has a slightly translucent appearance. Avoid calamari that is slimy or has a strong fishy smell.
- Clean the calamari properly: To clean calamari, remove the head and tentacles, then score the body and remove the ink sac. Rinse the calamari thoroughly under cold water.
- Cook the calamari quickly: Calamari is a delicate seafood that can easily become tough if overcooked. Cook calamari for no more than 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is just cooked through.
- Use a variety of seasonings: Calamari is a versatile seafood that can be seasoned with a variety of herbs, spices, and sauces. Some popular seasonings for calamari include garlic, lemon, parsley, and chili peppers.
- Serve calamari immediately: Calamari is best served immediately after cooking. It can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish.
Conclusion:
Seared calamari is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender texture and slightly sweet flavor, calamari is a seafood lover's dream. Whether you are serving it as an appetizer, main course, or side dish, seared calamari is sure to be a hit with your guests. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy seafood dish, give seared calamari a try!
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