Are you looking for a calamari steak recipe??? Calamari steaks are a delicious and impressive seafood dish that can be prepared quickly at home.
Tender squid steaks are lightly breaded and then pan-seared to perfection. Served with a bright lemon butter sauce, this recipe makes a fantastic main or appetizer.
Calamari is a type of squid that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture when cooked correctly.
Steaks or slices cut from the squid’s body work very well for pan-searing or grilling. When cooked at high heat for 1-2 minutes per side, they turn a delicious golden brown without becoming tough or chewy.
In this easy recipe, we’ll walk through how to buy and prepare fresh calamari steaks, then cook them to juicy perfection in a hot skillet.
A simple lemon butter sauce laced with white wine and parsley adds a delicious burst of brightness. Serve these seared calamari steaks as a starter for your next dinner party or make it an entree paired with rice or pasta. Your guests will be impressed with how simple yet elegant this dish is.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need For Calamari Steak Recipe
- Fresh calamari steaks (quantity)
- All-purpose flour (quantity)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (quantity)
- Garlic cloves (quantity), minced
- Lemon juice (quantity)
- Fresh parsley (quantity), chopped for garnish
Notes: Ensure the calamari steaks are fresh for the best taste. Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Plate lined with paper towels (for draining excess oil)
Necessity: Each item plays a crucial role in achieving the right texture and flavor for the calamari steak.
Preparation
- Rinse the calamari steaks under cold water and pat them very dry with paper towels. If using whole tubes, slice them into 1⁄4 or 1/2-inch rounds.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge the calamari pieces in the seasoned flour until evenly coated on both sides. Shake off any excess.
- Place the breaded pieces onto a clean plate as you work.
- Mince the garlic clove and zest and juice the lemon to have them ready for the sauce.
- Chop the parsley for garnish.
Properly drying the squid before breading helps the flour adhere evenly. Bread and place each piece separately instead of tossing together to prevent clumping. Be sure to prep all the sauce ingredients ahead of time for quick cooking.
Cooking Instructions
- Heat 2 tbsp butter and 3 tbsp olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until very hot.
- Carefully add half the breaded calamari steaks to the hot skillet in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown.
- Use tongs to flip them halfway through. Cook the second batch in the same way with the remaining butter and oil.
- Transfer the cooked calamari steaks to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Lower the heat to medium, then add the minced garlic and lemon zest to the skillet.
- Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Return all the calamari steaks to the skillet and toss to coat for 1 minute.
- Transfer the calamari to a serving platter. Pour the lemony pan sauce over the top and garnish with chopped parsley.
The initial high heat helps sear the exterior while keeping the interior tender. Cook in batches to avoid crowding. Let the calamari rest while building the quick pan sauce. Boil for a few minutes to reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors.
Tips: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even cooking. Use a splatter guard to prevent oil splatters.
Cooking Instructions
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes (total) Cooking Temperature: Medium-high heat
Visual Cues:
- Calamari turns opaque and firm when cooked.
- The flour coating becomes golden brown and crispy.
Variations
Variations:
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Spicy calamari: Add red pepper flakes or paprika for a spicy kick.
- Grilled calamari: Marinate calamari steaks and grill them for a smoky flavor.
Effect: These variations cater to different dietary preferences and offer diverse flavor profiles.
Tips and Tricks
Tips:
- Quick cooking: Calamari cooks rapidly, so keep a close eye to prevent overcooking.
- Tenderizing: Pound the steaks lightly to tenderize them before seasoning.
- Perfect crisp: Ensure the skillet and oil are hot for a crispy exterior.
Common Mistake: Overcooking results in rubbery calamari. Avoid this by following the suggested cooking times.
Serving Suggestions
Calamari steak pairs wonderfully with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic butter pasta. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the dish superbly.
Health Benefits: Calamari is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood option. It’s a good source of essential nutrients and minerals.
Storage and Leftovers
Storage: Store leftover calamari steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Calamari is rubbery. Solution: Cook for a shorter time or use a meat mallet to tenderize the steaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen calamari steaks? A: Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and pat them dry before cooking.
Conclusion
In this culinary adventure, we’ve explored the nuances of preparing a perfect calamari steak. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a touch of creativity, you can indulge in this seafood delicacy from the comfort of your kitchen. Embrace the flavors, experiment with variations, and delight in the joy of savoring your homemade calamari steak.
Join us: Subscribe to our blog for more exciting recipes and culinary adventures. Follow us on social media to stay updated with our latest creations.
Share your experience: Have you tried our calamari steak recipe? Share your thoughts and pictures in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your culinary journey!
Savor the Flavor: A Delectable Journey into the World of Calamari Steak Recipe
Calamari steak, a dish rooted in rich maritime traditions, has gained international acclaim for its exquisite taste and versatility. Originating from Mediterranean cuisine, this succulent delicacy boasts a unique blend of flavors and textures. In this blog post, we’ll unravel the secrets behind a perfect calamari steak preparation, exploring its history, ingredients, and cooking techniques.
Ingredients
- Fresh calamari steaks (quantity)
- All-purpose flour (quantity)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (quantity)
- Garlic cloves (quantity), minced
- Lemon juice (quantity)
- Fresh parsley (quantity), chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the calamari: Rinse the calamari steaks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season and flour: Season both sides of the calamari steaks with salt and pepper. Dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the calamari: Carefully place the calamari steaks in the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Add flavor: In the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic to the skillet, allowing it to infuse the calamari with flavor.
- Finish with freshness: Drizzle lemon juice over the calamari steaks and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Quick cooking: Calamari cooks rapidly, so keep a close eye to prevent overcooking.
- Tenderizing: Pound the steaks lightly to tenderize them before seasoning.
- Perfect crisp: Ensure the skillet and oil are hot for a crispy exterior.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 389Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 239mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 22g
About The Author
