22 Calamari Recipes - Easy Ideas For Fresh & Frozen - Foodiosity (2024)

5. Calamari Fra Diavolo

Spicy Seafood Pasta

Calamari Fra Diavolo offers a spicy twist on traditional seafood pasta. Tender calamari is simmered in a robust and fiery tomato sauce and served over al dente pasta.

Impress Your Guests

This vibrant dish is perfect for dinner parties or romantic evenings at home. Its fiery flavors will surely impress your guests.

Modify to Suit Your Taste

Feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your personal preference or substitute the pasta for a gluten-free or whole grain alternative.

Check this recipe.

6. Calamari and White Bean Salad

A Fresh, Nutrient-Packed Salad

This calamari and white bean salad is a light, nutritious dish that combines tender calamari with creamy white beans and crisp veggies, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.

Ideal for a Light Lunch

Enjoy this salad for a light yet satisfying lunch. It’s packed with protein and fiber to keep you full and energized throughout the day.

Customize Your Salad

Feel free to swap out the white beans for chickpeas or add extra veggies for more crunch and color.

Check this recipe.

7. Calamari Pizza

An Unexpected Topping

Calamari pizza offers a unique spin on a classic dish. This recipe features a crisp pizza crust topped with a creamy sauce, tender calamari, and a blend of cheeses.

Read also:29 Scallop Side Dishes

Perfect for Pizza Night

Change up your usual pizza night with this delicious and unusual recipe. It’s a fun way to introduce seafood into your pizza topping rotation.

Make It Your Own

Customize this pizza with your favorite toppings. Add additional seafood, different cheeses, or a variety of veggies.

Check this recipe.

8. Calamari Risotto

A Creamy, Comforting Dish

This calamari risotto is a rich and creamy dish that combines arborio rice with tender calamari and a flavorful broth. The result is a satisfying meal that’s full of depth and flavor.

Ideal for Dinner Parties

This elegant dish is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. Your guests will be impressed with the homemade risotto.

Add Your Favorite Ingredients

Feel free to add your favorite seafood, herbs, or veggies to this recipe to customize it to your tastes.

Check this recipe.

9. Thai Calamari Salad

A Zesty Asian-Inspired Salad

This Thai calamari salad features tender calamari tossed with fresh herbs, crisp veggies, and a spicy-sweet dressing. It’s a refreshing and flavorful dish that will transport you to the beaches of Thailand.

Perfect for Hot Days

Enjoy this salad on a hot day for a light and refreshing meal. The flavors are bright and bold, perfect for waking up your taste buds.

Customize Your Salad

Add additional veggies, swap the herbs, or adjust the spice level to suit your tastes.

Check this recipe.

10. Calamari and Chorizo Paella

A Spanish Delight

This calamari and chorizo paella is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender calamari with smoky chorizo, saffron-infused rice, and a variety of colorful vegetables.

Ideal for Sharing

Paella is perfect for sharing, making it a great dish for family dinners or parties. Your guests will love the combination of flavors and textures.

Customize to Your Liking

Feel free to add additional seafood, swap the chorizo for chicken, or add your favorite vegetables.

Check this recipe.

11. Calamari with Garlic and Parsley

A Simple yet Flavorful Dish

This calamari with garlic and parsley recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy calamari. The squid is sautéed with fragrant garlic and fresh parsley, creating a dish that’s packed with flavor.

Perfect for Quick Meals

This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve it with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal.

Customizable Ingredients

Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to this recipe, or pair it with a creamy aioli for dipping.

Check this recipe.

12. Calamari with Romesco Sauce

A Spanish Classic

This calamari with romesco sauce recipe pairs tender, golden calamari with a robust and flavorful Spanish sauce made from roasted peppers, tomatoes, and almonds.

Great as an Appetizer

Serve this dish as an appetizer at your next gathering. The unique romesco sauce will be a delightful surprise for your guests.

Add Your Personal Touch

Feel free to modify this recipe to suit your preferences. Add some heat to the sauce, or serve the calamari with a different dipping sauce.

Check this recipe.

13. Calamari Tempura

Japanese-Style Calamari

This calamari tempura recipe offers a unique way to enjoy calamari. The squid is lightly battered and deep-fried until golden and crispy, then served with a dipping sauce.

Perfect for Snacking

Enjoy calamari tempura as a snack or an appetizer. Its light and crispy texture makes it perfect for any occasion.

Customize Your Dipping Sauce

Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite combination. A soy-based sauce or a spicy mayo would pair beautifully with the calamari.

Check this recipe.

14. Calamari Stir-Fry

A Quick and Easy Meal

This calamari stir-fry is a fast and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. It features tender calamari and colorful veggies all tossed in a savory sauce.

Perfect for Busy Nights

When you’re short on time, this stir-fry comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor.

Customize Your Stir-Fry

Add your favorite vegetables, switch up the sauce, or serve over your choice of rice or noodles.

Check this recipe.

I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring these 22 yummy calamari recipes as much as I have. Now you’re ready to impress your family and friends with a menu bursting with seafood delights. Remember, cooking is all about creativity and fun, so feel free to play around with these recipes and make them your own. And most importantly, have a blast cooking and tasting these delectable calamari dishes.

22 Calamari Recipes - Easy Ideas For Fresh & Frozen - Foodiosity (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to tender calamari? ›

To tenderize your calamari, simply stir about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt in ½ cup of milk. Add your squid rings to the salted milk solution and refrigerate for 30 minutes. There are other alternatives for tenderizing squid such as soaking it in buttermilk or lemon juice.

Should frozen calamari be defrosted before cooking? ›

It is recommended to thaw frozen calamari before cooking it. Thawing allows the calamari to cook more evenly and ensures a better texture.

How do you cook frozen raw calamari? ›

To deep-fry frozen calamari rings, preheat your oil to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen rings in the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain an even cooking temperature. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Why soak calamari in milk? ›

Soak the cleaned squid in milk to tenderize. I am not sure what chemical wizardry happens here, but this simple trick keeps the squid nice and tender. Use equal parts of flour and cornstarch for an unbelievably crunchy coating.

What makes calamari tough? ›

Texture is everything.

The larger the squid, the tougher it will be. I also soak my calamari in a water, baking soda, and salt bath for 15 minutes before frying to help ensure a more tender texture.

Should I rinse calamari before cooking? ›

4 Rinse squid body and tentacles before cooking. Slice body crosswise into rings for salads and soups.

How long should you cook calamari? ›

Fry squid in hot oil until light brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Do not overcook, or squid will be tough. Drain squid on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve with lemon wedges.

Is calamari healthy to eat? ›

The nutritional value of calamari cannot be exaggerated, sort of like SpongeBob's talent for annoying Squidward. Squid contains vitamin B-12, potassium, copper, and iron. Altogether, these things strengthen your immune system, improve the performance of your blood cells, and buttress your bones.

What do you serve with frozen calamari? ›

Some of the best dishes to eat with calamari are the following:
  1. Chips or mashed potatoes or potato salad.
  2. Lemon wedges.
  3. Chargrilled vegetables.
  4. Risotto.
  5. Fresh salads.
  6. Hawaiian salad with goat cheese.
Feb 28, 2024

Is frozen calamari as good as fresh? ›

A resident of Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a cook who writes about the country's regional specialties. Frozen squid is a great choice even when fresh is available. Freezing and thawing help break down some of the tough muscle fibers making the squid more tender.

How do you know when calamari are cooked enough? ›

Perfectly cooked calamari should be slightly chewy, but not rubbery. Calamari actually gets really rubbery when it's been overcooked, so again, sticking to the recipe exactly is really important here!

How to not overcook calamari? ›

The trick then is to either:
  1. Cook them minimally, so they do not begin to toughen. This Serious Eats recipe for fried calamari recommends no more than one minute. ...
  2. Cook them for a long time, slowly, as in a braise, so they move through the tough phase to tender again.
Mar 15, 2013

How do you tell if frozen calamari is cooked? ›

And you need your pan very HOT - literally maybe 1-2 min max per piece. Possibly even less than that - I normally go for around 30 seconds on the barby. You can tell its cooked when the edges start to curl or change shape.

How long do you cook frozen calamari in an air fryer? ›

Air Fry from Frozen:
  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  2. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until calamari is golden brown.

How to stop squid from being rubbery? ›

Fix any cooking mistakes you may be doing to avoid cooking rubbery squid:
  1. 1 Use fresh squid. ...
  2. 2 Slice it small. ...
  3. 3 Make the sauce first. ...
  4. 4 Cook it fast. ...
  5. 5 Afraid to overcook it? ...
  6. 6 Cook it longer. ...
  7. 7 Don't cook it on the stove.
Jan 21, 2021

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