Description
Indulge in Spicy Grilled Calamari, a vibrant seafood dish rich in North African flavors and perfect for any gathering. This recipe offers a flavor explosion, is quick and easy to prepare, and presents beautifully. Enjoy tender squid kissed by a fiery Moroccan-inspired marinade, featuring warming cumin and zesty lemon.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons Olive Oil (can substitute with avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin (or coriander for milder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked paprika enhances depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves Garlic (fresh minced preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (lime juice can be substituted)
- 1 pound Baby Calamari (choose pre-cleaned for convenience)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, garlic, and lemon juice until well combined. This vibrant mixture brings together all the essential flavors for your spicy grilled calamari.
- Add cleaned calamari to the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to absorb all those aromatic flavors and enhance its tenderness.
- Heat your grill to high temperature to ensure optimal charring. A hot grill gives that beautiful sear and prevents sticking on the grill grates.
- Thread the calamari bodies and tentacles onto bamboo skewers for easy handling while grilling. This also makes for an impressive presentation on the table!
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until slightly charred and cooked through. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking, as it can turn rubbery.
- Remove from skewers and serve hot with crusty bread to soak up the delicious residual marinade. The combination will have your taste buds dancing!
Notes
- Enjoy the freshest flavor by preparing only what can be consumed in one sitting, as grilled calamari is best served hot and fresh.
- To prepare ahead, marinate the calamari up to 24 hours in advance.
- You can skewer the marinated calamari and refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
- Store leftover spicy grilled calamari in an airtight container for up to 2 days to retain moisture.
- Freezing is possible for up to 1 month, but may impact texture.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid rubberiness.
- Choose fresh, high-quality calamari for the best taste and texture.
- Ensure your grill is thoroughly preheated for a proper char and to prevent sticking.
- Watch cooking times carefully; calamari cooks quickly.
- Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: APPETIZERS
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: North African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Keywords: spicy grilled calamari, fiery barbecued squid, zesty char-grilled calamari, piquant grilled squid rings, hot grilled cuttlefish, spicy seared calamari, how to grill spicy calamari, best spicy grilled calamari recipe, easy spicy grilled squid, marinade for spicy grilled calamari, grilled calamari with chili, grilled seafood recipes, Mediterranean calamari, squid appetizers, calamari marinade, healthy grilled squid