Crispy, Tender, and Flavorful: Non-Fried Calamari Recipes You Need to Try

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Baked calamari with lemon and garlic is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this tender and flavorful seafood. To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, in a large bowl, combine the calamari rings with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss the calamari until they are evenly coated with the marinade. Next, spread the calamari out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the calamari for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Serve the baked calamari with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright and zesty flavor.

For a variation on this recipe, you can also add some sliced cherry tomatoes and chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the marinade before baking. This will add a burst of freshness and color to the dish. Baked calamari with lemon and garlic is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a topping for a salad or pasta dish. It’s a simple and healthy way to enjoy calamari that is sure to be a hit with seafood lovers of all ages.

Grilled Calamari with Fresh Herbs and Citrus

Grilled calamari with fresh herbs and citrus is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer entertaining. To make this dish, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, prepare the calamari by tossing them in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, or dill), and the zest and juice of a lemon or lime. Let the calamari marinate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Once the grill is hot, place the calamari on the grill grates and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and have grill marks. Be careful not to overcook the calamari, as they can become tough and rubbery if cooked for too long. Once the calamari are done, transfer them to a serving platter and drizzle with a little more olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. Garnish with additional chopped herbs and citrus slices for a beautiful presentation. Grilled calamari with fresh herbs and citrus is a simple yet elegant dish that is sure to impress your guests at your next barbecue or dinner party.

Pan-Seared Calamari with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Pan-seared calamari with spicy tomato sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. To make this dish, start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating up, season the calamari with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Once the oil is hot, add the calamari to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the calamari for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

While the calamari are cooking, prepare the spicy tomato sauce by sautéing some diced onions and minced garlic in the same skillet until they are soft and fragrant. Then, add a can of crushed tomatoes, a pinch of sugar, and some more red pepper flakes for extra heat. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once the calamari are done, transfer them to a serving platter and spoon the spicy tomato sauce over the top. Garnish with some chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Pan-seared calamari with spicy tomato sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine and some crusty bread for dipping.

Oven-Roasted Calamari with Mediterranean Seasonings

Oven-roasted calamari with Mediterranean seasonings is a simple yet elegant dish that is bursting with flavor. To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Then, in a large bowl, toss the calamari with olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure the calamari are evenly coated with the seasonings before spreading them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Roast the calamari in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. While the calamari are roasting, prepare a simple Mediterranean-inspired dipping sauce by combining some Greek yogurt with lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Once the calamari are done, transfer them to a serving platter and serve with the creamy yogurt sauce on the side for dipping. Oven-roasted calamari with Mediterranean seasonings is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Air-Fried Calamari with a Crunchy Panko Coating

Air-fried calamari with a crunchy panko coating is a healthier alternative to traditional fried calamari that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. To make this dish, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the calamari by tossing them in a mixture of flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.

Once the air fryer is hot, place the coated calamari in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Air-fry the calamari for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. While the calamari are cooking, prepare a simple dipping sauce by combining some mayonnaise with lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.

Once the calamari are done, transfer them to a serving platter and serve with the zesty dipping sauce on the side. Air-fried calamari with a crunchy panko coating is a guilt-free way to enjoy this classic seafood dish without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Slow-Cooked Calamari in a Savory Broth

Slow-cooked calamari in a savory broth is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for cooler weather. To make this dish, start by heating some olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. While the oil is heating up, sauté some diced onions, carrots, and celery until they are soft and fragrant. Then, add some minced garlic and cook for another minute or two.

Next, add some canned tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, white wine, bay leaves, dried thyme, and a pinch of saffron threads for an extra depth of flavor. Bring the broth to a simmer before adding the cleaned and sliced calamari to the pot. Let the calamari simmer in the broth for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender and flavorful.

Once the calamari are done cooking, remove them from the pot and transfer them to serving bowls. Ladle some of the savory broth over the top of the calamari before garnishing with some chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Slow-cooked calamari in a savory broth is a comforting and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with some crusty bread for soaking up all of that delicious broth.

Steamed Calamari with Ginger and Soy Sauce

Steamed calamari with ginger and soy sauce is a light and healthy dish that is bursting with Asian-inspired flavors. To make this dish, start by preparing your steamer basket by bringing some water to a boil in a large pot fitted with a steamer insert.

While the water is heating up, prepare the calamari by tossing them in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Let the calamari marinate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Once the water is boiling, place the marinated calamari in the steamer basket in a single layer. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the calamari for 3-4 minutes, or until they are opaque and tender.

Once the calamari are done steaming, transfer them to serving plates and drizzle with some of the remaining marinade from the bowl. Garnish with some sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Steamed calamari with ginger and soy sauce is a light yet satisfying dish that is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or as part of an Asian-inspired feast.

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