Grilled Calamari with Garlic and Lemon

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) fresh calamari, cleaned and tentacles separated 1 pound (450g) fresh calamari, cleaned and tentacles separated
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 lemons Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Add the calamari to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the calamari from the marinade and shake off any excess.
5. 5.
   Place the calamari on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly charred and cooked through.
6. 6.
   Remove from the grill and garnish with fresh parsley.
7. 7.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Calamari — Make sure to clean the calamari thoroughly, removing any innards and the transparent cartilage. This will ensure a tender and enjoyable texture.

Tips & Tricks

• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook the calamari on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler for similar results.
• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Serve the grilled calamari with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added brightness.
• Pair this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious marinade.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade, such as oregano or smoked paprika, to customize the flavors to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Calamari with Garlic and Lemon as a main course alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be served as an appetizer or part of a seafood platter. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled calamari on a platter, drizzling any remaining marinade over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will make this dish a feast for the eyes.