This recipe for calamari on the grill is a fantastic alternative to plain old fried calamari. Calamari that is grilled is a much healthier option compared to fried calamari and if done correctly has a lot more flavor! The other great characteristic of this recipe is how quick and easy it is to grill up. Who has time to bread and fry calamari and then clean up the kitchen? I certainly don’t.
What goes with calamari instead of red sauce and breading?
You can get real creative with ingredients to enhance the flavors of calamari. For this recipe, I used a lot of the flavors that are in season during the summer and then added a few extra items to give the dish a little acidity and bite.
Too start this recipe, combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl except the calamari and tomatoes.
Next put the tomatoes on skewers and place over direct heat on a gas grill. You don’t want them scorched so I shoot for 350 degrees F. You want to get the tomatoes on the grill first since they take the longest to cook. Grill them for 5 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Next, place a cast iron skillet over direct heat and let it heat up. This should take about 5 minutes.
Once the skillet is hot add olive oil and sliced garlic. Heat the oil and garlic for a minute, but don’t let the garlic burn. Stay close to the grill. Don’t walk away because it doesn’t take much for garlic to burn and ruin your fresh calamari!
Time to put the calamari on the grill!
Calamari tubes on the grill
Calamari is very quick to cook. The 3/4 inch calamari tubes and tentacles will only take a minute to grill. Place the calamari into the hot pan and stir occasionally. After the calamari has been in the skillet with the garlic and oil for a minute add the other ingredients. Cook and stir for another two minutes and your done. Everything should be heated up, but not an over grilled chewy mess. Wow, can it get much easier than that!
Calamari mixture
Plate the calamari medley and finish it by adding some more fresh basil, olive oil, and grated parmesan cheese. A nice big piece of crusty bread for dipping is optional!
This plate of fresh calamari looks fantastic! I used fresh ingredients that are in season which give the dish great flavor. Don’t get me wrong, I love fried calamari! However, it’s not the only way to prepare it. How many times do you go to a restaurant and only see fried calamari on the menu? Calamari is such an easy protein to work with. Pick some up at the grocery store and try something different. You just need to use your imagination and try different seasonings and ingredients that work well with it. Don’t be afraid to stay away from fried calamari and try this recipe for Calamari on the Grill!
Grilled Calamari Dish
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of calamari tubes and tentacles
- Sliced fresh garlic
- Olive Oil
- 3.5 ounce bottle of capers
- 1/2 of 7 ounce can of black olives
- 1 can artichoke hearts
- 1 bottle peppers
- 1 Bunch of fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
Heat the gas grill to 350 degrees F
Skewer the cherry tomatoes and place on the grill grate over direct heat for five minutes and also place pan on the grill over direct heat as well.
Cut the calamari tubes into 3/4 inch pieces
Mix all other ingredients into a mixing bowl
Place olive oil and sliced garlic in the pan on the grill
After one minute add calamari and stir and cook for an additional minute.
Place all other ingredients in the mixing bowl in with the calamari
Take the tomatoes off the grill and skewers and add to the calamari mixture
Stir and cook for two minutes
Take off the heat and plate
Add additional chopped fresh basil, olive oil, and grated cheese.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread which can be grilled as well.
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