Grilled Calamari with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

In the original Vietnamese dish, Mực một nắng, the calamari is typically stir-fried with various vegetables and served with a soy-based sauce. However, in this adapted Guinea-Bissauan version, we are grilling the calamari and pairing it with a spicy peanut sauce, which adds a unique twist to the dish. The flavors and ingredients have been adjusted to suit the taste preferences and culinary traditions of Guinea-Bissauan cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Mực một nắng, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings 500g (1.1 lb) calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 100g (3.5 oz) roasted peanuts 100g (3.5 oz) roasted peanuts
• 2 red chili peppers, deseeded and chopped 2 red chili peppers, deseeded and chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the calamari rings to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a blender or food processor, blend the roasted peanuts, chopped chili peppers, lime juice, and vegetable oil until smooth. Set aside.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated calamari rings onto skewers.
4. 4.
   Grill the calamari skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are lightly charred and cooked through.
5. 5.
   Remove the calamari from the skewers and serve hot, drizzled with the spicy peanut sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Calamari — Make sure to clean the calamari thoroughly and remove any innards before slicing it into rings. This will ensure a clean and tender texture.
• Roasted peanuts — If you can't find roasted peanuts, you can roast raw peanuts in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes until they turn golden brown. Allow them to cool before using in the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the calamari from becoming tough, avoid overcooking it on the grill. Calamari cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it.
• If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the number of chili peppers in the peanut sauce or remove the seeds before blending.
• Serve the grilled calamari with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Calamari with Spicy Peanut Sauce as a main course, accompanied by steamed rice and a side of fresh salad. Drizzle extra peanut sauce over the calamari for added flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled calamari on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro, and drizzle the spicy peanut sauce over the top. Serve with a wedge of lime for an extra burst of citrus flavor.