Calamari is a delicious and versatile seafood appetizer that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s also relatively easy to cook at home, even if you’re a beginner.
Calamari is the Italian word for squid, and it’s a popular seafood dish in many Mediterranean countries. It can be served fried, grilled, or baked, often accompanied by a dipping sauce such as marinara or aioli.
Calamari: A Delightful Seafood Appetizer and How to Cook It at Home
Choosing and Preparing Calamari
When choosing calamari, look for rings that are white and firm. Avoid yellow or soft rings, as these are signs that the calamari is not fresh.
If you’re using frozen calamari, thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw calamari in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes.
How to Cook Calamari
There are many different ways to cook calamari, but some of the most popular methods include frying, grilling, and baking.
Fried Calamari
To fry calamari:
- Heat a large pot of oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dredge the calamari rings in flour, egg, and then flour again.
- Fry the calamari rings in batches until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the fried calamari immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.
Grilled Calamari
To grill calamari:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Brush the calamari rings with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the calamari rings for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are cooked through.
- Serve the grilled calamari immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.
Baked Calamari
To bake calamari:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the calamari rings on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Season the calamari rings with salt and pepper.
- Bake the calamari for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve the baked calamari immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.
Serving Calamari
Calamari is typically served as an appetizer but can also serve as a main course. It’s often accompanied by a dipping sauce such as marinara or aioli.
Dipping Sauce for Calamari
Here is a simple recipe for a dipping sauce for calamari:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Serve the dipping sauce with calamari.
Conclusion
Calamari is a delicious and versatile seafood appetizer that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s also relatively easy to cook at home, even if you’re a beginner.