Marinated Calamari
Delight your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of Marinated Calamari, a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Tender calamari rings are delicately blanched and instantly cooled in an ice bath to achieve the perfect texture, then infused with a zesty marinade of fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and fragrant herbs like parsley and oregano. A touch of red chili flakes adds a gentle kick, while lemon zest elevates the dish with a burst of citrusy freshness. This no-fuss yet elegant appetizer is ready in under 30 minutes (plus marinating time) and can be served chilled on its own or as a sophisticated topping for mixed greens. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion, this dish highlights the natural sweetness of calamari while showcasing Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams fresh calamari (cleaned and cut into rings)
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 whole zest of one lemon
- 2 liters water
- 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions
In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
Blanch the cleaned calamari rings in the boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes, just until they turn opaque and are tender. Be careful not to overcook.
Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and adding ice cubes.
Using a slotted spoon, quickly transfer the blanched calamari to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes, then drain well.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, red chili flakes, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to create the marinade.
Add the drained calamari to the bowl and toss well to ensure the calamari is evenly coated with the marinade.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to develop. For better results, marinate for up to 4 hours.
Before serving, give the calamari a gentle stir to redistribute the marinade. Serve chilled as an appetizer or on a bed of mixed greens.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
213 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 11.7 g | 15% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 291 mg | 97% | |
| Sodium | 319 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.2 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 19.5 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 89 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 349 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
