Cooking Calamari On The Bbq: Perfect Timing For Tender Bites

Grilled calamari is a tasty and healthy dish that can be served as an appetiser or a main course. It is also a great addition to a Greek salad. The key to cooking calamari is to either cook it very quickly or slowly, as anything in between will result in a chewy texture. The ideal cooking time for grilled calamari is around 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the calamari pieces.

How to prepare the calamari for cooking

Preparing calamari is much easier than it seems. It's no different than preparing shrimp! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare calamari for cooking:

• Defrost the Calamari: If you bought frozen calamari, you can defrost it in the microwave by using the \"defrost\" function for 4 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the oven method by setting the oven to 350 F and defrosting the calamari for 10-15 minutes. You can also thaw the calamari in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, ensuring it's completely defrosted.
• Cut the Calamari: If your calamari isn't pre-sliced, start by removing each tentacle from the body by cutting it off at the base while the calamari lies flat on a cutting board. Use a sharp chef's knife or kitchen shears. Then, cut the "wings" off with a fish knife and remove the hard bit that runs along the wing.
• Clean the Calamari: Calamari has tough, cartilage-like bits in its body that need to be cut out and discarded. Make an incision down the body and flatten it on the chopping board. Scrape out the digestive system and remove the membrane, similar to cleaning meat.
• Marinate the Calamari: Marinating the calamari is optional but recommended to add flavor and tenderize the meat. You can use a variety of marinades such as lemon or lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, honey, oregano, or chili. Marinate the calamari for at least 10-15 minutes or up to 24 hours for the best results.
• Skewer the Calamari (Optional): If you plan to grill the calamari, you can thread the tubes onto bamboo skewers, ensuring they lie flat. Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• Tenderize the Calamari (Optional): To remove some of the chewiness, you can tenderize the calamari before cooking. Soak the calamari in lemon or lime juice, kiwi fruit juice, or milk for 30 minutes to several hours. The acidity or enzymes in these liquids will help break down the texture.

Once you've prepared the calamari, it's ready to be cooked! Remember to cook calamari quickly at high heat to avoid overcooking, which can make it rubbery. Enjoy experimenting with different recipes and serving methods for your grilled or fried calamari.

How long to grill the calamari for

Grilled calamari is best cooked for a short amount of time, at a high temperature. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the calamari pieces. For example, if you are grilling small, medium or large calamari, the cooking time will differ.

For small calamari, grill for around 2 to 3 minutes in total, turning occasionally, until opaque and cooked through. For medium-sized calamari, grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until caramelised. For large calamari with very thick flesh, you might need to grill for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the edges are slightly charred. If you are unsure, it is better to undercook the calamari and then do a taste test.

If you are grilling the calamari on a stick or skewer, grill for around 4 minutes on each side, or until the edges are slightly charred.

What to serve with the calamari

Now that you know how long to cook your BBQ calamari, it's time to think about what to serve with it. Here are some ideas for side dishes and accompaniments to create a delicious and well-rounded meal:

Salads

A Greek salad is a classic choice to serve with grilled calamari, especially if you're looking for something healthy and refreshing. You could also try an Italian-inspired salad with roasted artichoke hearts and freshly cut fennel. Or, get creative and make a grilled calamari salad by tossing leftover calamari with your favourite salad ingredients.

Dips and Sauces

In some countries, grilled or fried calamari is served with a dip. You could try a traditional option like marinara, or get creative with a honey and oregano, or lemon and rosemary marinade. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime is also a great way to add some extra flavour to your dish.

Vegetables

There are several vegetables that pair well with grilled calamari. Try asparagus, cooked sous vide with garlic, parmesan or lemon. Or, for something different, how about some Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with lemon tarragon aioli? Instant Pot artichokes are another great option—quick and easy to make, and full of flavour.

Rice and Couscous

Rice is a great side dish for grilled calamari. Try coconut lime rice for a fragrant, fluffy option, or garlic rice for something more savoury. If you're looking for something a little different, Israeli couscous tabbouleh salad is a tasty choice, combining pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.

Other Sides

If you're looking for something a little heartier, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Lemon risotto with mascarpone is a rich and creamy choice. Or, for something more exotic, try Din Tai Fung cucumber salad, or Kung Pao Brussels sprouts with a sweet and spicy sauce.

Marinade options

There are several options for marinating your calamari before grilling it on the barbecue.

Firstly, a simple marinade of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice is recommended by one source. This is a good option if you are looking for something quick and easy, as it only needs to be left for 10 to 15 minutes before grilling.

If you have more time, you can leave your calamari to marinate for longer. One source suggests a marinade of olive oil, lime, and parsley, and recommends leaving the squid to soak for half an hour before grilling. Another option is to leave the calamari to marinate overnight or for a full day. For this longer marinating time, a few different marinade options are suggested, including lemon and rosemary for an Italian-inspired dish, or paprika, honey, and oregano for a Greek-style dish. If you want to get creative, you can also make your own lime and chilli marinade.

One source suggests that you can leave calamari to marinate in the fridge for up to three days, so don't be afraid to get preparing well in advance!

Where to buy calamari

When it comes to buying calamari, there are several options available to you. You can either purchase it from a local fishmonger, visit a fish market, or opt for online retailers. Here is a more detailed breakdown of each option:

• Fishmongers: Fishmongers are experts in seafood and can provide you with fresh, high-quality calamari. They can also prepare the calamari according to your exact requirements, such as cutting it into tubes, rings, or tentacles. Additionally, building a relationship with your fishmonger can help you learn more about seafood, including what's in season, the best preparation and cooking methods, and the difference between farmed and wild seafood.
• Fish Markets: Visiting a fish market gives you access to a variety of vendors, allowing you to compare the quality and prices of calamari. It's a great way to find reputable sellers and ensure you're getting the freshest product.
• Online Retailers: Buying calamari online is a convenient option, with companies like Cameron's Seafood and Sizzlefish offering frozen calamari delivered straight to your door. This option is ideal if you don't have easy access to a fishmonger or fish market. Online retailers often provide detailed preparation and cooking instructions, making it a good choice for those new to cooking calamari.

When buying calamari, it's important to remember that fresh calamari is generally considered superior to frozen, as it yields better results. However, if you do opt for frozen calamari, it's best to deep-fry it. Additionally, be cautious of cheap options, as they may not be of the best quality.

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