15+ Calamari Recipes to Delight Your Palate

Calamari is a delicious seafood dish that many enjoy for its tender texture and unique flavor. You can prepare calamari in various ways, such as frying, sautéing, or in a savory sauce. These recipes can easily elevate your meals and impress your guests with their taste and presentation.

From classic fried calamari served with a zesty dipping sauce to spicy sautéed versions bursting with flavor, there is something for everyone. Experimenting with different ingredients and cooking methods will help you discover your favorite way to enjoy this versatile seafood treat.

1) Crispy Fried Calamari

Crispy fried calamari is a delicious appetizer that is easy to make at home. You can enjoy it as a snack or serve it at gatherings. The key to this dish is using fresh squid.

Start by cutting the calamari tubes into rings. Soak them in buttermilk for a tender texture. Next, coat the rings in seasoned flour for crunch.

Heat vegetable oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated calamari rings and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain them on a paper towel and sprinkle with salt.

Ingredients

• 1 pound squid (cleaned and cut into rings)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups flour
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the calamari tubes into rings.
2. Soak the calamari in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
3. Coat the rings in seasoned flour.
4. Heat oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the calamari rings for 2-3 minutes until golden.
6. Drain and sprinkle with salt before serving.

2) Spicy Sautéed Calamari with Capers

Sautéed calamari with capers is a quick and tasty dish you can make in just a few minutes. The mix of flavors from the capers, garlic, and a bit of heat makes this meal stand out.

To start, heat some olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add fresh calamari rings and cook them until they are tender.

Next, toss in capers and garlic, allowing the dish to absorb those wonderful flavors. A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up.

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari rings, cleaned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon (for juice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. Add calamari rings and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in capers and garlic, cooking for another minute.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and season with salt and pepper.

3) Calamari in Tomato Sauce with Chilis

This dish is a tasty way to enjoy calamari. The tender squid pairs beautifully with a rich tomato sauce and a kick of chili heat. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

To make this recipe, start by cooking garlic, capers, and red chili flakes in a pan. This helps release their flavors. Next, add your calamari and cook until tender, which should take just a few minutes.

For the sauce, combine crushed tomatoes with spices of your choice. Let it simmer so the flavors blend nicely. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Fresh calamari, cleaned
• Garlic, minced
• Capers, rinsed
• Red chili flakes
• Crushed tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add garlic, capers, and red chili flakes; sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the calamari and cook for 3-5 minutes.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for 10 minutes.

4) Calamari and Potatoes Italian Style

This dish combines the tender taste of calamari with hearty potatoes. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Start by cleaning the calamari and chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Peel and dice the potatoes into smaller chunks.

You will cook both these ingredients together in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, tomatoes, and a splash of white wine. The combination of flavors brings out the best in both the calamari and potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari, cleaned and cut
• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 14 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add diced potatoes and cook until slightly tender.
4. Stir in calamari, crushed tomatoes, and white wine.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for about 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Tender Calamari Rings with Lemon

You can make tender calamari rings with a simple lemon marinade. This method keeps the calamari soft and full of flavor.

Start by cutting your calamari into rings. Then, mix fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

Place the calamari rings in the marinade and let them sit for about 15-30 minutes. This helps tenderize them while adding a zesty taste.

You can grill or pan-fry the marinated calamari quickly. Cook them on high heat for about 2-3 minutes until they are just opaque.

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari rings
• 2 lemons (juiced)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut calamari into rings if not pre-cut.
2. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
3. Add calamari rings to the marinade and let sit for 15-30 minutes.
4. Heat a grill or skillet on high.
5. Cook calamari for 2-3 minutes until opaque.

6) Buttermilk Soaked Calamari

Buttermilk soaked calamari is a delicious and tender dish. Soaking the squid in buttermilk helps to make it soft while adding flavor.

To start, cut the squid into rings. Then, place them in a bowl with buttermilk and let them soak for 10 to 30 minutes. This step is key for improving texture.

After soaking, coat the squid in seasoned flour. Mixing the flour with salt and pepper enhances the taste.

Finally, deep-fry the coated squid in hot oil until golden brown. The ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C).

Ingredients

• 1 pound squid, cleaned and cut into rings
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tablespoon salt
• ½ tablespoon ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak squid rings in buttermilk for 10 to 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove squid from buttermilk and coat in the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep frying pan.
5. Fry the squid until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.

7) Calamari with Bread Crumb Topping

For a delicious twist on calamari, try adding a bread crumb topping. This gives the dish a crispy texture that many people love.

Start with fresh squid, cleaned and cut into rings. You can use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Mix them with some seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper for added flavor.

Coat the squid rings in the breadcrumb mixture. You can either fry them in hot oil or bake them at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier option.

This dish pairs well with marinara sauce or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Ingredients

• 1 pound squid rings
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• Oil for frying (if frying)

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean and cut the squid into rings.
2. Mix panko, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Coat the squid rings in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Fry in hot oil or bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown.

8) Squid Dredged in Seasoned Flour

To make delicious squid dredged in seasoned flour, start with fresh squid. Clean the squid and cut it into rings for a tender bite.

You’ll want to prepare a mixture of seasoned flour. Use flour, salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy. This adds great flavor to the dish.

After coating the squid in the seasoned flour, heat oil in a deep pan to about 375°F (190°C). Fry the squid rings for about 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Keep an eye on them while frying to avoid overcooking. Overcooked squid can become tough.

Ingredients

• Fresh squid
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional spices (like paprika or garlic powder)
• Cooking oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean and cut squid into rings.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, and optional spices.
3. Dredge squid rings in the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C).
5. Fry squid for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

9) Calamari with Marinara Sauce

Calamari with marinara sauce is a delicious and easy dish to make. The tender squid pairs perfectly with the flavorful tomato sauce. This dish is great as an appetizer or a main course.

To make this recipe, you will need cleaned squid, which you can find at most grocery stores. Simple ingredients like crushed tomatoes and garlic add depth to the sauce.

Frying the calamari gives it a crispy texture that you will enjoy. Serve it hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) cleaned squid, tubes and tentacles
• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• Oil for frying
• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Dredge squid in the flour mixture.
4. Fry squid in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

10) Herby Calamari with Pickled Peppers

Herby calamari with pickled peppers is a tasty dish that highlights the flavors of the sea. You’ll enjoy the fresh herbs and tangy peppers combined with tender calamari. This recipe is simple and perfect for a fun meal.

To start, you need fresh calamari, which you can easily find at the store. The pickled peppers add a nice zing that balances the dish.

You can serve this dish as an appetizer or a main course.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) fresh calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) pickled peppers, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.
3. Add calamari and cook until opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in pickled peppers, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook for another minute.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

11) Sauteed Calamari with Green Onions

This sautéed calamari dish is quick, easy, and full of flavor. The green onions add a nice crunch and complement the calamari perfectly.

You will want to start by cleaning the calamari, removing the skin and innards. Then, slice it into rings for even cooking.

Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and the green onions, sautéing until fragrant.

Cook the calamari for just a couple of minutes until it’s tender. A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens the dish. Serve it hot, maybe with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for added spice!

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari, cleaned and sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 green onions, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean and slice the calamari into rings.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and chopped green onions. Sauté until fragrant.
4. Add the calamari and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
5. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

12) Calamari with Garlic and Olives

This recipe for calamari with garlic and olives is simple and full of flavor. You’ll enjoy the rich taste of the olives combined with the garlic.

Start by preparing the calamari. Clean and slice it into rings.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until golden.

Next, toss in your calamari and cook for a few minutes until tender. Be careful not to overcook it, or it can become tough.

Finally, mix in sliced olives and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari, cleaned and sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean and slice calamari into rings.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden.
4. Add calamari and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in sliced olives.
6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve.

13) Classic Fried Calamari with Lemon Wedges

Classic fried calamari is a tasty dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or snack. It’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The best part is serving it with fresh lemon wedges for a burst of flavor.

To start, you’ll need to prepare the calamari. Slice the bodies into 1/2-inch rings and clean the tentacles. Then, season some flour with salt and pepper. This will give your calamari a delicious flavor.

Next, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep pan. Dredge the calamari in the seasoned flour and fry in batches until golden brown.

Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari (squid)
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 cup flour
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean and slice calamari into rings.
2. Season flour with salt and pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
4. Dredge calamari in seasoned flour.
5. Fry in batches until golden brown.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve with lemon wedges.

14) Fried Calamari with Corn Starch Coating

Fried calamari with a corn starch coating is a delicious treat. The corn starch adds a light and crispy texture that enhances the squid’s flavor.

To make this dish, start by preparing your squid rings. Dredging them in a mix of flour and corn starch will help achieve that perfect golden-brown color when fried.

You can season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, and spices for extra flavor. Fry them in hot oil at about 375°F (190°C) until crispy.

Serve your fried calamari with lemon wedges and marinara sauce for dipping. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a snack.

Ingredients

• 1 pound squid rings
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup corn starch
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare squid rings and pat dry.
2. Mix flour, corn starch, and seasonings in a bowl.
3. Dredge squid rings in the mixture.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C).
5. Fry calamari until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

15) Quick Two-Minute Sautéed Calamari

If you’re in a hurry and craving calamari, this quick two-minute sauté is perfect for you. It’s simple, flavorful, and ready in no time.

Start by cleaning and slicing your calamari into rings. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat at 375°F (190°C).

Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some kick. Toss in the calamari and sauté for about 1-2 minutes. It cooks fast, so keep an eye on it!

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor. Serve immediately for a delicious seafood treat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari, cleaned and sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
3. Toss in the calamari and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Squeeze lemon juice and add fresh herbs before serving.