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Delicious grilled calamari garnished with lemon and cilantro

Grilled Calamari with Lemon and Cilantro

A quick and stunning dish that elevates your dinner game, this Grilled Calamari is lightly flavored with lemon and fresh cilantro, making it perfect for busy evenings or impressive gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Seafood
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into rings Choose fresh for best flavor, or use thawed frozen calamari.
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped For garnish.
  • Lemon wedges, for serving To add extra flavor upon serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Toss the calamari rings into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, use a grill pan on the stovetop.
  2. Once your grill is hot, place the calamari on it and grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side until opaque and slightly charred.
  3. Remove the calamari from the grill and toss with chopped cilantro.
  4. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Freshness is key; use fresh calamari for best results. Letting it marinate longer will amplify the flavor. Experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a unique twist.