Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Crispy Griddled Calamari: A Taste of the Sea
Discover how to make crispy griddled calamari – a Sicilian classic bursting with tradition and seaside flavours!
📖 What is it
Discover how to make crispy griddled calamari – a Sicilian classic bursting with tradition and seaside flavours!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 4 calamari
- ✓ 150g fresh breadcrumbs
- ✓ 1 lemon
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Dive into the very soul of the Mediterranean with these crispy griddled calamari. A beloved Sicilian favourite, this dish captures the fresh, briny essence of the coast, mingled with the golden crunch of herby breadcrumbs and a zesty squeeze of lemon. Picture the salty sea breeze, laughter shared around the table, and the simple pleasure of authentic Sicilian cooking brought right to your kitchen. It’s a straightforward, heartfelt recipe that invites you to savour the true taste of Sicily.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Start by cleaning the calamari: detach the heads and tentacles, remove the innards and the central cartilage, then peel the tubes. Give them a quick rinse and leave to drain in a colander.
- 2
Pat the calamari dry with kitchen paper to remove any excess moisture after draining.
- 3
Score shallow horizontal cuts along the top of each calamari tube – this helps them cook evenly and absorb the flavours.
- 4
Set up a bowl with extra virgin olive oil and a plate with the seasoned breadcrumbs, seasoned with salt and pepper.
- 5
Heat a griddle pan until piping hot, ideally cast iron for a lovely char.
- 6
Dip the tentacles first in the oil, then coat in the breadcrumbs. Cook them on the griddle for 2 to 3 minutes, turning as they crisp up. Then, griddle the tubes for about 2 minutes on each side.
- 7
Once cooked, season with a pinch of salt, a drizzle of oil, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy griddled calamari.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an extra flavour boost, stir some finely grated lemon zest and fresh chopped mint into your breadcrumbs for a bright, aromatic twist.
- •
To add crunch and texture, swap in Sicilian stale bread crumbs or mix in finely chopped almonds—both bring a lovely richness to the coating.
- •
If you prefer a lighter version, try baking the calamari tubes with just a drizzle of olive oil instead of frying or griddling.
- •
A handy trick is to let the prepared calamari rest for an hour dusted in seasoned breadcrumbs before cooking – this deepens the flavour beautifully.
- •
For those following vegan or gluten-free diets, substitute traditional breadcrumbs with pre-cooked polenta or chickpea flour, adjusting the coating to keep that irresistible crispness.
- •
Temperature is key: keep the griddle flames moderate to avoid overcooking the calamari, which ensures they stay tender and tasty.
📦 Storage
- • For the best experience, tuck into the calamari straight away while they’re at their crispiest and freshest.
- • If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and aim to enjoy within two days for optimum flavour.
- • When reheating, skip the microwave and opt for a preheated oven at a moderate temperature to restore the crunchy texture without drying out the squid.
🍷 Pairing
Pair these crispy griddled calamari with a Sicilian white like Grillo – crisp and mineral, it beautifully complements the seaside flavours without overpowering them.
Alternatively, an aromatic Inzolia offers a fresh, fragrant partner.
For something from beyond the island, a Ligurian Vermentino or a Friulian Sauvignon Blanc works wonderfully with the delicate crunch and subtle flavours of the dish.
There you have it – a dish that perfectly captures the joyful spirit of Sicilian coastal cooking. Whip up these crispy griddled calamari to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table. It’s a wallet-friendly, fuss-free recipe that’s guaranteed to impress whether it’s a casual midweek supper or a weekend feast with friends. Do give it a go and don’t forget to share the love — great food is best enjoyed together!
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