Best Grilled Calamari Recipes

GRILLED CALAMARI

Steps:

• In a serving bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Stir in the garlic and whole oregano sprigs.
• Heat a grill pan over the high heat. (Alternatively, you can cook the squid on the grill.) When very hot, add the squid and char each side for 1 minute. Remove from the pan and slice crosswise into 1/4-inch rings, including the tendrils. Add the squid to the lemon sauce. Crack freshly ground pepper over and serve immediately.

GRILLED CALAMARI SALAD

Steps:

• Put 1 cup of the herb oil in a mixing bowl. Add calamari, cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
• Preheat a grill to high heat.
• Remove calamari, season with salt and pepper on both sides and grill for approximately 4 minutes per side. While the calamari is cooking, put all other ingredients and the remaining 1 cup herb oil in a mixing bowl. Slice calamari into thin juliennes, and add to all of the ingredients. Mix thoroughly, season with salt and pepper.
• Combine all ingredients. This can be prepared in advance and used for multiple recipes.

GRILLED CALAMARI AND ARUGULA SALAD

Steps:

• For the vinaigrette: Add the grapefruit juice and vinegar to a medium bowl. Add the olive oil while whisking to combine. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• For the calamari salad: Mix together the oil, chili flakes, garlic, lemon juice and zest, parsley and some salt in a large bowl. Add the calamari, toss together and let marinate for 20 minutes or up to 1 hour. Preheat a grill to high heat. Remove the calamari from the marinade and skewer them. Skewering the rings of the calamari onto 2 skewers each will help to keep them on the skewer and not fall off into the grill. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill for about 2 minutes per side. They should be slightly charred and opaque. Add the calamari, arugula, grapefruit segments, fennel and vinaigrette to a large bowl and toss. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

OREGANO LEMON GRILLED CALAMARI

Steps:

• Slit the calamari tubes up 1 side and lightly score 1 side. Place the tubes and tentacles in a bowl and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper and toss to combine. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Preheat a grill pan on high heat.
• Remove the calamari from the refrigerator and place on the grill in batches for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side. Cut the tubes into strips and leave the tentacles whole. Before serving, sprinkle with lemon juice and chopped parsley.

GRILLED CALAMARI

Steps:

• Cut the squid bodies along the sides to open flat. With a thin sharp knife, lightly score the insides, being careful not to cut through all the way.
• In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Add the squid bodies and tentacles, toss to coat, and marinate for 2 hours, refrigerated, turning twice.
• Preheat the grill to high heat.
• Cook potatoes in boiling salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.
• With a pastry brush, lightly coat both sides of the sliced bread with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Place the bread on the hot grill and cook until golden brown on both sides, 2 to 4 minutes. Arrange on a large platter.
• Grill the squid, turning until opaque, slightly golden, and just cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the squid to a cutting board and slice into strips. Slice the tentacles if desired.
• Place the squid on top of the grilled bread and top with the chopped olives. Arrange potatoes decoratively around squid. Lightly drizzle with additional extra virgin olive oil as desired, sprinkle with Essence and parsley, and serve with the lemon wedges on the side.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

CLASSIC GREEK SALAD TOPPED WITH GRILLED CALAMARI SKEWERS

Steps:

• Soak 20 wooden skewers in water for about 20 minutes. Rinse the calamari tubes and pat dry. Split the bodies from top to bottom so you have 2 triangular pieces. Thread a soaked skewer through the length of each piece. Put the skewers on a platter and set aside. To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic, dried and fresh oregano, thyme and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Pour 1/2 of the vinaigrette over the calamari; set the other 1/2 aside while you make the salad.
• In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, onion, cucumber, cheese, olives, and romaine. Pour the remaining vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine. Let marinate while you grill the calamari.
• Heat the grill or a grill pan and oil it lightly. Grill the calamari for 2 minutes on each side, no longer or they will be tough. To serve, put the salad onto a large platter and top it with the calamari skewers. Garnish with fresh oregano leaves and lemon wedges.

GRILLED CALAMARI WITH ARUGULA

Steps:

• Prepare grill for cooking. If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill.
• Rinse squid under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. If squid are large, halve tentacles lengthwise and cut longer ones, if attached, crosswise into 2-inch pieces. Pull off flaps from squid bodies, if attached, and reserve. Cut each squid body lengthwise along "seam" and open flat. Score large squid, including flaps, lengthwise with a sharp knife, making cuts close together (about 1/8 inch apart like ridges on rigatoni) and being careful not to cut through squid, then halve squid bodies crosswise.
• Squeeze enough juice from 2 lemons to measure 1/4 cup. Cut remaining whole lemon into wedges.
• Whisk together lemon juice, oil, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper until combined well and transfer 1/4 cup dressing to a large shallow bowl, reserving remainder. Add squid to dressing in shallow bowl, tossing to coat, and marinate at room temperature, turning once, 10 minutes.
• Thread 2 skewers through each squid body, near opposite sides of body (to keep squid flat during grilling). Thread all the flaps onto 1 or 2 skewers. Thread all tentacles crosswise (through thickest part) onto skewers, without crowding, letting tentacles dangle. Discard marinade.
• When fire is hot (you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 1 to 2 seconds), grill squid on a lightly oiled grill rack, uncovered, turning once, until they just turn opaque, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes total. Transfer to a cutting board and remove skewers. Cut squid bodies lengthwise into 1 1/2-inch-thick strips. Halve strips crosswise if using larger squid.
• Toss squid with 3 tablespoons reserved dressing and salt and pepper to taste in a clean bowl. Toss arugula in another bowl with just enough of remaining dressing to coat, then season with salt and pepper. Divide arugula among 4 plates and top with squid. Serve with lemon wedges.

GRILLED SAUSAGE-STUFFED CALAMARI

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion and red pepper with a pinch of salt in hot oil until onion is soft and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
• Stir sausage, minced tentacles, onion mixture, parsley, egg, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until evenly combined. Transfer mixture to a piping bag.
• Pipe sausage mixture into tubes, filling about each tube about 2/3 full. Thread a toothpick through the top of each tube to fasten the opening together. Place stuffed tubes on a plate, cover the plate with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until completely chilled, about 1 hour.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Brush tubes with remaining olive oil to coat on all sides and season with salt.
• Cook stuffed calamari on the preheated grill, turning occasionally, until stuffing is cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 155 degrees F (68 degrees C).

STUFFED AND GRILLED CALAMARI APPETIZER

Steps:

• For the filling: Saute leeks in olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-low heat until softened, 7 to 10 minutes. Add shallot and garlic and saute 3 minutes. Add wine, parsley, vinegar, tarragon, salt, chile flakes and lemon juice and turn heat to high. Cook until reduced 85 percent, 3 to 5 minutes
• Turn heat to medium and add butter. Let melt, then add prawns. Cook, stirring, until just done, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in breadcrumbs to absorb any remaining liquids and remove from heat.
• Transfer to a bowl and chill completely before stuffing calamari.
• For the calamari: Insert a funnel into the open end of a calamari.
• Fill the funnel about halfway with the filling and push it into the calamari, filling it only three-quarters of the way full, to allow for shrinkage as it cooks. Use a toothpick to skewer the tentacles to the opening of the calamari. Repeat with remaining filling and calamari.
• Preheat a grill or saute pan over medium-high heat. Cook the calamari, 2 minutes per side.
• Arrange grilled calamari on a serving dish and serve with warm Roasted Yellow Bell Sauce and sprinkled with Fried Capers.
• Roast pepper on open flame of stovetop burner, turning as outside blackens, until roasted on all sides. Place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let cool for 5 minutes. Remove outer burnt skin of pepper, cut into quarters and remove stem and seeds.
• Place pepper in a small food processor.
• Steep garlic in hot cream for 2 minutes, then add to processor. Add butter, parsley, shallot, vinegar, salt and lemon juice and process to make a smooth puree.
• Rinse capers with water, then squeeze with hands to express any juices. Drain very well.
• Heat oil to 350 degrees F in a small saucepan over medium heat. Carefully add capers to hot oil and fry until darkened in color and capers have become crispy, approximately 7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

GRILLED SAUSAGE-STUFFED CALAMARI

Steps:

• Soak bread crumbs in milk in a large bowl.
• Toast fennel seeds in a dry small skillet (not nonstick) over medium-low heat, shaking skillet occasionally, until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Chop fennel seeds and add to bread-crumb mixture along with pork, garlic, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Gently mix with your hands until well blended. Using a small spoon, loosely stuff squid with fennel sausage, leaving a 1/2-inch space at top (you may have some stuffing left over). Seal tops using wooden picks.
• Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium heat for gas); see Grilling Procedure .
• Coat stuffed squid and tentacles with oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Oil grill rack, then grill stuffed squid, turning frequently, until golden in spots and an instant-read thermometer inserted into center of filling registers 150 to 155°F, 13 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a platter. Grill tentacles until opaque and curled, about 1 minute, then add to platter. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with parsley.
• What to drink:
• Fontaleoni Vernaccia di San Gimignano '07

CHARCOAL GRILLED SHRIMP AND CALAMARI WITH GRILLED LEMONS AND SMOKED TOMATO-BLACK OLIVE RELISH

Steps:

• For the relish: Soak the hickory chips in water for at least 1 hour.
• Put a handful of hot coals in the bottom of a smoker. Scatter the hickory chips over the top. Put a try of ice on the bottom grate. Put the cooking grate above the ice tray. Once the temperature of the smoker reaches 100 degrees F, brush the tomatoes with canola oil, season with salt and pepper and put them on the top grate. Close the smoker and smoke the tomatoes for 10 to 20 minutes, depending how smoky you want them.
• Coarsely chop the tomatoes, place in a bowl and add the olive oil, olives, dill, lemon juice, parsley, vinegar, honey, onions and season with salt and pepper. Let the relish sit at room temperature until ready to use.
• For the seafood: Prepare a charcoal grill at least 30 minutes before cooking by lighting a chimney starter filled with hard wood and let burn until covered with gray ash.
• Toss the shrimp and calamari with the lemon juice, olive oil and garlic and let marinate for 15 minutes. Brush the cut side of each lemon half with canola oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Skewer the shrimp and kalamari tentacles onto different skewers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side and the calamari tentacles for about 30 seconds per side. Put the calamari bodies directly on the grill and cook for about 15 seconds per side. Grill the lemons, cut-side down, until slightly charred. Remove to a platter.
• Arrange the skewers and bodies on a large platter. Top with the relish. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top and squeeze a grilled lemon half over all. Garnish the platter with the remaining grilled lemons.

GRILLED STUFFED CALAMARI

Steps:

• Prepare a stove-top griddle or an outdoor grill.
• In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, frisee, and capers. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, lime juice and zest, and salt and pepper. Drizzle over the frisee mixture and toss to coat.
• Stuff 1 tablespoon of the frisee mixture into each squid. Brush the remaining teaspoon of olive oil on the squid.
• Grill for 5 to 7 minutes, turning frequently.

GRILLED CALAMARI & ARUGULA SALAD RECIPE - (5/5)

Steps:

• VINAIGRETTE: Add the grapefruit juice and vinegar to a medium bowl. Add the olive oil while whisking to combine. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. CALAMARI SALAD: Mix together the oil, chili flakes, garlic, lemon juice and zest, parsley and some salt in a large bowl. Add the calamari, toss together and let marinate for 20 minutes or up to 1 hour. Preheat a grill to high heat. Remove the calamari from the marinade and skewer them. Skewering the rings of the calamari onto 2 skewers each will help to keep them on the skewer and not fall off into the grill. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill for about 2 minutes per side. They should be slightly charred and opaque. Add the calamari, arugula, grapefruit segments, fennel and vinaigrette to a large bowl and toss. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

CLASSIC GREEK SALAD TOPPED WITH GRILLED CALAMARI SKEWERS

Steps:

• Soak 20 wooden skewers in water for about 20 minutes.
• Rinse the calamari tubes and pat dry.
• Split the bodies from top to bottom so you have 2 triangular pieces.
• Thread a soaked skewer through the length of each piece. Put the skewers on a platter and set aside.
• To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic, dried and fresh oregano, thyme and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
• Pour 1/2 of the vinaigrette over the calamari; set the other 1/2 aside while you make the salad.
• In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, onion, cucumber, cheese, olives, and romaine.
• Pour the remaining vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine. Let marinate while you grill the calamari.
• Heat the grill or a grill pan and oil it lightly.
• Grill the calamari for 2 minutes on each side, no longer or they will be tough.
• To serve, put the salad onto a large platter and top it with the calamari skewers.
• Garnish with fresh oregano leaves and lemon wedges.

LEEK AND PEA RISOTTO WITH GRILLED CALAMARI

Steps:

• Bring stock to a bare simmer in a medium saucepan, then keep at a bare simmer.
• Whisk together 2 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, scallion, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl to make vinaigrette.
• Cook leeks in 2 tablespoons oil in a 4-quart heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
• Add remaining tablespoon oil and rice to pot and cook, stirring constantly, until rice is coated evenly, about 1 minute. Add wine and briskly simmer, stirring, until most has been absorbed, about 1 minute.
• Add 1 cup hot stock and briskly simmer, stirring constantly, until stock has been absorbed. Continue simmering and adding hot stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next, until 1 cup stock is left, 15 to 18 minutes. Add peas, leeks, and remaining cup stock and cook, stirring, until rice is just tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in butter and cheese, then remove from heat.
• When last cup of stock has been added to risotto, heat grill pan over high heat until hot. 3When risotto is done, season squid with 1/8 teaspoon salt and oil grill pan. Grill squid, pressing down with a spatula and turning halfway through, until opaque and just cooked through, about 1 minute total. Toss with enough lemon vinaigrette to coat.
• Serve risotto topped with calamari and drizzled with any remaining lemon vinaigrette.

GRILLED CALAMARI STEAKS WITH MEDITERRANEAN SALSA

Steps:

• To make the salsa, in a bowl, stir together the olives, tomatoes, capers, garlic, parsley, oil, lemon zest and juice, and pepper. Place the calamari steaks in a nonreactive bowl and add half of the lemon juice, the olive oil and the parsley. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Prepare a grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-high heat. Grill the steaks until opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Top the calamari with the salsa and a squeeze of lemon juice, and serve. Serves 4.

GRILLED CALAMARI STUFFED WITH SAUSAGE

Steps:

• 1. Soak bread crumbs in milk in a large bowl. Meanwhile, toast fennel seeds in a dry small skillet over medium low heat, shaking skillet occasionally, until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Chop fennel seeds and add to bread crumb mixture along with pork, garlic, paprika, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Gently mix with your hands until well blended.
• 2. Using a small spoon, loosely stuff squid with fennel sausage, leaving a 1/2 inch space at top. Seal tops using wooden picks. Prepare grill for direct heat cooking over medium hot charcoal or medium heat for gas.
• 3. Coat stuffed squid and tentacles with oil and season with 1/2 tsp salt. Oil grill rack, then grill stuffed squid, turning frequently until golden in spots and an instant read thermometer inserted into center of filling register 150 to 155 degrees, about 13 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a platter. Grill tentacles until opaque and curled, about 1 minute and add to platter. Drizzle with oil, sprinkle with parsely and serve with lemon wedges.

SPICED CALAMARI SKEWERS WITH GRILLED LIME

Steps:

• Put the curry, cumin, fennel, peppercorns, cayenne, and salt in a spice mill or clean coffee grinder. Grind to a fine powder and set aside.
• Rinse the calamari tubes under cool water and pat dry. Split the bodies from top to bottom so you have 2 triangular pieces from each. Thread a skewer through the length of each piece to secure. Put the skewered calamari on a platter and drizzle with a 3-count of oil. Place a large grill pan on 2 burners over medium-high heat, or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Fold a few paper towels into a thick square. Blot some oil on the paper towels and then carefully and quickly wipe the ridges of the grill pan or the hot grates of the grill. Grill the calamari for 2 minutes per side (no longer or they will get rubbery). Place the limes on the grill, cut side down, for 2 minutes or until slightly charred.
• Sprinkle a little of the spice mix on the calamari and stack the skewers on a serving platter. Squeeze the grilled limes over the calamari and serve immediately.

MARINATED GRILLED CALAMARI

Steps:

• 1. In a medium bowl, combine calamari, garlic, chile flakes, parsley, 1/3 cup oil, 2 tbsp. lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Chill, stirring often, 1 to 5 hours. 2. Pour calamari and marinade into a colander over a bowl. Brush marinade over cut sides of bread; grill on each side over high heat (450° to 550°) until grill marks appear, 3 to 5 minutes. Cut into slices. 3. Grill calamari tubes, turning once, just until firm, 3 minutes. Meanwhile, using tongs, drop tentacles in clumps onto grill just to firm up, then spread out to cook evenly, 4 minutes total. Put calamari in a dish and drizzle with remaining oil, lemon juice, and salt. Serve with bread.

GRILLED STUFFED CALAMARI 'SUSHI' WITH BLACK BEAN AIOLI

Steps:

• Pre-heat a grill very hot. In a skillet coat lightly with oil and on high heat, saute the pepper and lapchong until soft, about 4 minutes. Fold in rice and add the scallions, cilantro and oyster sauce. Season and check. Stuff the squid tubes using a pastry bag or plastic bag with the tip cut off. Oil the grill and season the tubes with salt and chile. Mark the tubes, and roll them around so that all sides cook evenly, about 5 minutes total. Be careful not to overcook the squid as it will get tough. Let rest 1 minute then slice into one inch pieces, like sushi.
• Saute garlic, chiles, black beans and ginger until soft. Deglaze with vinegar and reduce by 80%. Let cool completely. In a food processor, add mixture with yolks. While processor is on, drizzle in oil, slowly at first until it emulsifies, then more quickly. Check for seasoning. Store in refrigerator.
• PLATING Fill a small dish with the aioli and arrange the 'sushi' around the dish.