Grilled Lemon Calamari

17/11/2023

Grilled lemon calamari is a light and tasty dish, perfect for a summer dinner or as a delightful appetizer. Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish.

Ingredients

500 g of cleaned calamari
2 lemons (juice and grated zest)
2 cloves of garlic
Chopped fresh parsley
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Start by cleaning the calamari if they haven’t already been cleaned by your fishmonger: remove the innards, the pen, the skin, and the eyes. Rinse them well under running water and cut them into rings or keep them whole, making sure to score the inside with light cuts that will help during cooking.
In a wide bowl, prepare a marinade with the juice of one lemon, grated zest, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, one clove of finely chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Place the calamari in the marinade and let them rest covered in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, so as to absorb all the flavors.
After the resting time, heat the grill or a stove-top grill pan to medium-high heat.
Remove the calamari from the marinade and pat them dry slightly with paper towels. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
Meanwhile, prepare an emulsion in a small bowl with extra virgin olive oil, the juice of the remaining lemon, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
Arrange the grilled calamari on a serving dish and dress them with the lemon and parsley emulsion.
Serve immediately, accompanied, if you like, with lemon slices and an additional sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Curiosity

Calamari belong to the cephalopod family and are known not only for their delicate flavor but also for their versatility in the kitchen. They can be prepared in various ways: fried, stuffed, stewed, grilled. In this grilled version, high temperature allows for a pleasantly crispy exterior while keeping it tender inside, and the lemon adds a touch of freshness ideal for seafood dishes.