Name: Grilled Skewered Calamari
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 2 calamari ((squid hoods)); 4 cloves garlic (crushed); 1 teaspoon chili flakes; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 teaspoons sweet paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon fine black pepper; 1/3 cup avocado oil; 1 lemon (juiced)

Grilled skewered calamari is a flavorful and simple dish that highlights the natural sweetness and tenderness of fresh squid. The combination of smoky, citrusy, and herby flavors makes this dish a standout choice for seafood lovers, whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course at a summer barbecue

The preparation begins by cleaning the calamari, removing the innards and beak, and opening out the tubes. The squid is then marinated this not only enhances the flavor but also helps keep the calamari tender when exposed to high heat on the grill.

Once marinated, the calamari are threaded onto skewers, ensuring even cooking and easy handling over the grill. Cooking over hot coals gives the calamari a beautiful char while locking in its juiciness. Since squid cooks quickly, it only needs a short cook per side to develop a slight crisp on the edges while remaining tender inside.

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Looking accross grilled calamari skewers.

The marinade and grill combine to create an appetizing color for these tender calamari skewers.

Cleaned calamari (squid hoods) sitting on a chopping board.

The cleaned calamari (squid hoods) are sliced open and then scored prior to being sliced to be marinated.

A tray of cooked calamari skewers on a white tray garnished with lemon is presented comically by Dean Schumann.

Once cooked, the calamari skewers present elegantly for any event, formal or casual.

Six calamari skewers are cooking over a charcoal grill.

The calamari skewers are cooked quickly. Overcooking can lead to toughness, so timing is key to achieving the perfect texture.

Grilled Skewered Calamari Recipe

Dean Schumann

reviews

Grilled skewered calamari is a flavorful and simple dish that highlights the natural sweetness and tenderness of fresh squid.

Print Review

Preparation 30

Cook 3

Marinade 30

Ready in 33

Servings

CourseAppetizer

InfluenceGlobal

DifficultySeasoned

MethodGrill

Similar RecipesHand Food, Marinade

Print Review

Ingredients

Calamari

2 calamari (squid hoods)

Lemon Marinade

4 cloves garlic crushed
1 teaspoon chili flakes
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fine black pepper
⅓ cup avocado oil

To Serve

1 lemon juiced

Equipment

grill
6 metal skewers

Directions

Calamari

Clean the squid hoods and cut so they can lay flat.
Score the the squid on an angle, then them cut into 2 ½ cm (1 inch
Place the calemari into a ziplock bag (or plastic container) until needed.

Lemon Marinade

Place the garlic, chili flakes, lemon juice, brown sugar, sweet paprika, salt, pepper, and oil into a bowl then combine well.
Add the marinade to the calimari in the ziplock bag. Seal while removig all the air. move around to ensure all the calimari is covered by the marinade.
Place in a cooler to chill and marinate for 30 minutes.

To Cook

Preheat a grill for direct cooking.
Weave the calamari slices onto the steel skewers in a folding pattern trying to keep as evenly as possible so they cook evenly.
Place on the preheated grill and cook for a minute and a half then flip and cook the other side for a minute and a half.
Tip: Don't cook too long or they will be tough.
Drizzle with fresh lemon juice to serve.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 123kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 7gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 413mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 447IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg