Calamari steaks, also known as squid steaks, are a delightful seafood delicacy that can be prepared in various ways to bring out their tender texture and delicate flavor. In this article, I will instruct you on how to cook calamari steaks in 2 different ways.
1. How To Cook Calamari Steaks in Pan
Ingredients
- 4 calamari steaks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Rinse the calamari steaks under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Dip each calamari steak into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
Coat each side of the calamari steak with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs gently onto the surface to ensure even coating.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the coated calamari steaks to the pan.
Cook the calamari steaks for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are opaque and lightly browned.
While the calamari steaks are cooking, prepare the lemon butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the saucepan. Stir to combine, creating a tangy and flavorful lemon butter sauce.
Remove the calamari steaks from the pan and let them rest on a plate for a minute.
Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cooked calamari steaks, ensuring they are generously coated.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if desired).
Serve the pan-seared calamari steaks with lemon butter sauce alongside lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
2. How To Cook Calamari Steaks On Grill
Ingredients
- 4 calamari steaks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Rinse the calamari steaks under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
Place the calamari steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure that both sides of the steaks are coated evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and marinate the calamari steaks in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C).
Remove the calamari steaks from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid.
Place the calamari steaks directly on the grill grates. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steaks. Avoid overcooking as calamari can become tough and rubbery.
While grilling, you may notice the calamari steaks curling slightly. This is normal and indicates that they are cooking properly.
Once the calamari steaks are opaque and have visible grill marks on both sides, remove them from the grill.
Transfer the grilled calamari steaks to a serving plate and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them.
Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Serve the grilled calamari steaks immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
3. How Do You Know When Calamari Steak Is Cooked?
Here are some indicators to help you determine when calamari steak is cooked:
Visual Appearance: Cooked calamari steaks will have a firm, opaque texture with a slight golden brown color. If the steaks are still translucent or have a jelly-like appearance, they are not fully cooked.
Texture: When cooked properly, calamari steaks should be tender and easy to cut with a fork. Overcooked calamari will be tough and difficult to chew, while undercooked calamari will have a chewy and rubbery texture.
Different cooking methods may require slight adjustments in cooking time, so it’s always best to check the doneness regularly. With practice, you’ll become more confident in determining when calamari steak is perfectly cooked
By following these recipes in this article, you can enjoy this delightful seafood delicacy in various ways. Each method brings out unique flavors and textures, making calamari steaks an enjoyable treat for seafood enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike.
