Grilled Calamari with Lemon and Chilli Oil
This Mediterranean-inspired dish features perfectly grilled calamari, drizzled with a simple homemade chilli-lemon oil. It’s quick to prepare, elegant enough for entertaining, and full of fresh seaside flavor.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Calamari
1 ½ lbs calamari tubes & tentacles, cleaned
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Chilli Oil
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 fresh red chilli, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. Prep the calamari
Pat calamari dry with paper towels (helps prevent steaming on the grill).
Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Make the chilli oil
In a small pan, gently heat olive oil over low heat.
Add chilli and garlic, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let garlic burn).
Remove from heat, stir in lemon zest, juice, and sea salt. Set aside.
3. Grill the calamari
Heat grill or grill pan over high heat until very hot.
Grill calamari 1–2 minutes per side until lightly charred and just cooked (overcooking makes it rubbery).
4. Serve
Transfer calamari to a platter, drizzle with lemon-chilli oil, and garnish with fresh parsley or extra lemon wedges.
Notes & Tips
Tender calamari tip: Quick cook (under 3 minutes) or long braise (over 30 minutes). Anything in between = tough.
Extra flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or oregano) to the chilli oil.
Serving idea: Pair with crusty bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen calamari?
A: Yes—just thaw fully, drain, and pat dry before grilling.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: Use a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan for a similar charred effect.
Q: Can I make it spicy or mild?
A: Absolutely—adjust the chilli type and amount to your preference.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 220
Protein: 28g
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 3g