Experience the versatility of calamari steaks, a delicate and mildly sweet seafood option that’s waiting to be elevated by your culinary creativity. While calamari rings are a familiar favorite in many restaurants, the full potential of calamari steak is often overlooked. It’s time to rethink this underrated ingredient and explore its possibilities beyond the ordinary.
With these exceptional calamari steak recipes, discover new ways to enjoy this tender yet slightly firm seafood as an appetizer, main course, or beyond.
Where To Buy Calamari Steaks
While calamari steaks might not be as ubiquitous as rings in your average supermarket, there are some exceptional places to discover this underrated seafood delight. For the most discerning palates, upscale grocery chains like Whole Foods Market, with its diverse and extensive seafood selection found in major US cities, offer a world of possibilities. Alternatively, Asian supermarkets like 99 Ranch Market, primarily located in California, boast an impressive array of seafood options.
And for those seeking the freshest catch, local seafood markets like Seattle’s Pike Place or NYC’s Fulton Fish Market provide access to locally sourced and often handpicked seafood treasures.
Best Calamari Steak Recipes
Pan Fried Calamari Steaks With Charred Lemon
Indulge in the delightful taste of Pan Fried Calamari Steaks, a dish that effortlessly combines tender calamari, crispy panko crust, and a rich lemon beurre blanc sauce. This straightforward recipe yields a harmonious balance of flavors, with each bite boasting a satisfying crunch from the golden-brown coating. With just a few essential ingredients – including butter, dry white wine, lemon juice, garlic, and salt – you’ll be on your way to a mouthwatering culinary experience in no time.
Calamari Steak In Thai Red Curry Sauce
Experience the harmonious fusion of Thai flavors with this lightning-fast recipe for tender calamari steaks smothered in a rich and aromatic red curry sauce. With an impressive cooking time of under 30 minutes, you can indulge in the velvety texture and bold taste of each succulent bite.
The key to achieving this culinary masterpiece lies in the carefully curated ingredients, including calamari steaks, fragrant lemongrass, pungent shallots, piquant garlic, spicy red curry paste, and a hint of umami fish sauce.
Calamari Piccata & Roasted Asparagus
Experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this delightful light meal. Tender calamari steaks are lightly coated with a crispy breading mixture, then fried to a golden brown and served in a rich and tangy lemony white wine sauce. To add a pop of color and freshness to the dish, roasted asparagus is paired alongside, providing a delightful contrast to the savory seafood.
The ingredients used to prepare this meal are simple yet effective: flour, egg, Panko bread crumbs, fresh lemon zest, and butter.
Grilled Calamari Steaks
The allure of tender calamari steaks lies in their perfectly charred exterior, achieved through a careful grilling process. To elevate the dish to new heights, serve it with a bright and citrusy lemon-parsley dressing that complements the seafood’s natural flavor. Of course, feel free to experiment with various dipping sauces to find your perfect pairing.
When it comes to preparing this delectable treat, you’ll need calamari steaks, olive oil, salt, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges to bring everything together.
Grilled Calamari Steaks With Mediterranean Salsa
When hosting a gathering or dinner party, these flavorful grilled calamari steaks with Mediterranean salsa are sure to impress. The secret to this recipe lies in achieving the perfect doneness – undercooked calamari can be unpleasantly chewy, while overcooking it renders it tough and rubbery. To avoid this, cook the calamari briefly until it still retains a tender texture.
The combination of Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, capers, lemon, and parsley in the Mediterranean salsa adds a depth of flavor that complements the delicate taste of the calamari perfectly.
Lemon Caper Calamari Steaks
Indulge in the tender delight of succulent calamari steaks, perfectly seared to a golden crisp. The dish is elevated by the harmonious union of vibrant broccolini, its natural sweetness enhanced by a zesty blend of lemon and capers. What’s more, these calamari steaks can be cooked ahead of time, stored in the fridge until ready to serve, allowing for maximum convenience without sacrificing flavor or presentation.
To prepare this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need just a few ingredients: olive oil, Parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour, an egg, and of course, the star of the show – calamari steaks.
Calamari Steak In Lemon Butter
The star of this recipe is the Tackle Box Fish Seasoning, which infuses the calamari steaks with a rich and nuanced flavor profile. This flavorful twist is complemented by the creamy lemon butter sauce, topped with a crunchy sprinkle of parmesan cheese. To bring it all together, you’ll need just a few essential ingredients: calamari steaks, flour, eggs, parmesan, and heavy cream.
Spicy Sweet Calamari Steak Salad
Savoring the ocean’s bounty in a colorful salad, tender calamari steak takes center stage alongside a medley of flavors that dance between sweet and spicy notes. The fiery kick from fire-roasted red peppers and sweet chili sauce harmonizes with the freshness of the veggies, creating a visually stunning masterpiece. To craft this dish, gather olive oil, salt, garlic powder, pepperoncini, and an assortment of vibrant red peppers.
Grilled Calamar
In just under half an hour, you can create a culinary masterpiece by marrying the simplicity of grilled calamari steaks with the rich, creamy texture of polenta. To elevate this dish to new heights, finish it off with a zesty parsley sauce that brings together the perfect balance of bright flavors and tangy acidity.
The required ingredients are straightforward: calamari steak, Italian parsley, balsamic vinegar, salt, and lemon juice – all of which work in harmony to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Breaded Calamari
To create this classic Italian appetizer, simplicity is the key. Begin by marinating the squid in buttermilk to add a tenderizing effect. Next, coat it evenly with a flour-breadcrumb mixture, taking care not to overdo it. Finally, fry the squid until golden brown and crispy, achieving a satisfying crunch. This dish requires just a few essential ingredients: buttermilk, eggs, Tabasco sauce for an added kick, milk for creaminess, and a sprinkle of cumin for depth.
Calamari Steak Katsu
Indulge in the harmonious fusion of Japanese flavors and crispy calamari steaks, as this innovative recipe redefines the boundaries of seafood cuisine. With its unique blend of textures and bold flavors, this dish is sure to captivate even the most discerning palates. The key to this culinary masterpiece lies in a carefully crafted combination of ingredients, including ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, soy sauce, and pungent garlic cloves.
Skillet Calamari Steak
Transforming tender calamari into a crispy and flavorful dish is easier than you think. With just a few straightforward steps, you can create a mouthwatering masterpiece that puts a fresh spin on traditional calamari fare. The recipe’s winning combination of seasonings and quick cooking time makes it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their seafood game.
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients: plump calamari steaks, a couple of eggs, a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some chopped Italian parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
Lime & Sweet Chili Grilled Calamari Steaks
These delectable calamari steaks have been marinated to a tee, absorbing the vibrant flavors of zesty lime and the subtle warmth of sweet chili. The grilling process adds a delicate smokiness to the surface, expertly balancing the natural taste of the calamari. A harmonious blend of ingredients such as squid steaks, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and garlic work together in perfect synergy.
Seared Calamari Steak With Bloody Mary Sauce
The harmonious union of calamari steak’s subtle flavor with the pungent kick of a classic cocktail-inspired sauce is truly delightful. This delectable dish combines the tender calamari with the rich flavors of tomatoes, Sriracha hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish to create an unforgettable culinary experience that will surely leave your taste buds singing.
Potato Crusted Squid Steaks
Indulge in the delightful combination of crispy texture and zesty flavor as these squid steaks are expertly coated with a crunchy potato crust. The golden-brown exterior gives way to a tender interior, perfectly cooked through. To elevate this dish, a tangy lemon butter sauce adds a burst of citrusy freshness. Meanwhile, the ingredients shine: succulent squid steak, a binding force in the form of egg, a satisfying crunch from potato flakes, and the subtle savory notes of salt and olive oil.
Calamari Steaks With Summer Salsa
While the calamari steaks are expertly grilled to a tender and slightly charred perfection, they’re elevated by a vibrant summer salsa that bursts with flavor. The salsa’s foundation is built upon seasonal ingredients, but it can be further enriched by adding cherry tomatoes, corn, and Kalamata olives for added depth and texture. To bring the whole dish together, a few aromatic garlic cloves and some fresh basil are also incorporated into the recipe.
Pan-Fried Calamari With Rich Chili Jelly
For a quick yet satisfying meal, look no further than this recipe for pan-fried calamari with rich chili jelly. This dish offers endless possibilities for creative variations, making it an ideal choice for both lunch and dinner. The addition of sweet and spicy chili jelly elevates the humble calamari to new heights. To prepare this culinary delight, you’ll need a few key ingredients: red cayenne pepper adds a fiery kick, while cherry tomatoes and red onion bring natural sweetness and crunch.
Ground paprika lends a smoky depth, and fish sauce provides a savory umami flavor. With these components, you’re well on your way to creating a dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Calamari Chile Relleno
This innovative twist on traditional poblano peppers replaces them with calamari steaks that have been pounded thin and filled with a flavorful blend of pepper jack cheese. The seafood is then coated in a crispy batter and fried to a golden brown perfection.
The recipe requires a combination of ingredients, including all-purpose flour, bread crumbs, eggs, butter, and pickled jalapeño rings, which add a tangy kick to the dish.
What To Serve With Calamari Steaks
When it comes to serving sides with your calamari steak recipes, you’re spoiled for choice. Here are some of the most popular options that pair perfectly with this delicious seafood: Garlic bread is a timeless favorite that complements the rich flavors of calamari with its savory aroma and buttery goodness. For a satisfying contrast in textures, try serving crispy French fries alongside your calamari.
If you prefer something lighter, coleslaw’s tangy dressing provides a nice balance to the richness of the dish. Alternatively, opt for a fresh Caprese salad made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil. Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and a nutritious twist to the meal. For a comforting side that complements the calamari’s flavor, try creamy mashed potatoes or grilled corn on the cob for a touch of sweetness.
You can also consider a leafy spinach salad with feta cheese, nuts, and a vinaigrette dressing for added nutrition. Finally, rice pilaf is a flavorful option that pairs well with calamari, whether it’s seasoned with herbs or mixed with vegetables. A Mediterranean-inspired Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, is another great choice to round out your meal.
The bottom line
While calamari steak may not be as well-known as other ingredients, it’s a culinary gem that deserves to take center stage. Its subtle flavor profile, adaptability, and mouthwatering texture make it an exceptional component in many dishes. If you’re just starting your cooking journey or seeking innovative ways to incorporate calamari into your meals, look no further than this curated list of scrumptious recipes.
Spanning straightforward pan-frying techniques to more intricate preparations, there’s a recipe here for every taste and skill level.
More About Calamari
While the term ‘calamari’ is often associated with simple fried squid rings, these innovative recipes elevate this Mediterranean staple to new heights. From delectable starters to satisfying main courses, discover a world of creative possibilities beyond the usual calamari fare.
Instructions
Explore the world of calamari steak by browsing our curated recipe collection. Choose a dish that resonates with you and let your culinary creativity shine. As you cook, don’t forget to indulge in the delight of sharing your favorite meals with others!
