Italian Grilled Calamari (Squid grilled with herbs, spices, and Italian Goodness)
Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with our Italian Grilled Calamari recipe. This dish features tender calamari (Italian for squid) marinated in Italian herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a delightful combination of smoky, charred flavors and tender seafood goodness.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Number of Servings
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh calamari tubes and tentacles, cleaned and pat dry
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the cleaned and pat-dry calamari tubes and tentacles in a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
- Remove the calamari from the marinade and shake off any excess marinade.
- Place the calamari tubes and tentacles on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are lightly charred and cooked through.
- Once the calamari is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.
- Garnish Italian Grilled Calamari with lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 15g
Historical and Cultural Significance
Grilled calamari is a popular dish in Italy, particularly in coastal regions where seafood is abundant. It is often enjoyed as a starter or appetizer in Italian cuisine and is loved for its tender texture and delicate flavor.
Special Tips for Preparation or Serving
- Serve Italian Grilled Calamari with a side of marinara sauce or aioli for dipping, or toss it with a light salad for a refreshing summer meal.
- Italian Grilled Calamari pairs well with a crisp Italian white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino, to complement the seafood flavors and refresh the palate.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle the grilled calamari with a pinch of lemon zest just before serving.
- Can’t find fresh calamari? You can use frozen calamari that has been thawed according to package instructions.
Download the printable recipe below
Italian Grilled Calamari
This dish features tender calamari (Italian for squid) marinated in Italian herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a delightful combination of smoky, charred flavors and tender seafood goodness.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh calamari tubes and tentacles, cleaned and pat dry
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the cleaned and pat-dry calamari tubes and tentacles in a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
- Remove the calamari from the marinade and shake off any excess marinade.
- Place the calamari tubes and tentacles on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are lightly charred and cooked through.
- Once the calamari is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.
- Garnish Italian Grilled Calamari with lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Special Tips for Preparation or Serving
+ Serve Italian Grilled Calamari with a side of marinara sauce or aioli for dipping, or toss it with a light salad for a refreshing summer meal.
+ Italian Grilled Calamari pairs well with a crisp Italian white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino, to complement the seafood flavors and refresh the palate. - + For added flavor, you can sprinkle the grilled calamari with a pinch of lemon zest just before serving.
Can't find fresh calamari? You can use frozen calamari that has been thawed according to package instructions.
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