Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Grilled Calamari: A Taste of the Sea in Every Bite
Master the art of Sicilian-style grilled calamari—tender, fragrant, and perfectly paired with a traditional salmoriglio dressing.
📖 What is it
Master the art of Sicilian-style grilled calamari—tender, fragrant, and perfectly paired with a traditional salmoriglio dressing.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 300g fresh calamari
- ✓ 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ Juice of one lemon
- ✓ Salt to taste
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper to taste
📊 Nutritional Information
Enjoy a true taste of Sicily with these chargrilled calamari, a dish that calls to mind sea breezes and the fragrant citrus groves of the island. The tender flesh, elevated by a simple and zesty marinade, transports you straight to the authentic flavours of Sicily—ideal for sharing with friends and family outdoors.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Clean the calamari by separating the tubes from the tentacles and removing the internal cartilage.
- 2
Make the salmoriglio by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- 3
Submerge the calamari in the salmoriglio and leave to marinate in the fridge for around 15 minutes.
- 4
Preheat your grill or chargrill pan until it’s really hot.
- 5
Grill the calamari tubes for about 5 minutes and the tentacles for 2 to 3 minutes, turning halfway through.
- 6
Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with a little more fresh salmoriglio.
- 7
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a side of grilled seasonal vegetables.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a richer twist, add a drizzle of wildflower honey and a sprinkle of crushed pink peppercorns to the marinade for a subtle sweet and aromatic note.
- •
Using a cast iron griddle pan helps achieve an even cook and those beautiful rustic char marks that bring an intense flavour.
- •
This dish centres around seafood, particularly shellfish, prized for their clean, delicate texture.
- •
For a vegetarian alternative, swap the calamari with thick grilled aubergine slices dressed in the salmoriglio, creating a light and tasty dish.
- •
To deepen the flavour profile, stir in a pinch of seaweed powder into the marinade—this natural ingredient boosts umami notes beautifully.
- •
For a gluten-free and vegan version, go for grilled aubergines or courgettes tossed in extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper.
- •
The key to success lies in the quick, high-heat cooking that preserves the calamari’s tenderness and fresh taste.
📦 Storage
- • Store the calamari in an airtight container in the fridge to keep their flavour and texture fresh for up to 2 to 3 days.
- • For longer storage, wrap the calamari tightly in cling film, place into sturdy freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- • When reheating, gently warm them in the oven at 180°C for 10 to 15 minutes to avoid drying out and retain their aroma.
🍷 Pairing
This dish pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Sicilian Grillo, which highlights its sea-fresh delicacy and citrus hints. Alternatively, try a Malvasia delle Lipari, whose floral notes add depth to the plate. If you fancy something from outside Sicily, a light Ligurian Vermentino complements the gentle flavours of the calamari wonderfully.
Why not bring a touch of Sicily into your home with this simple yet exquisite grilled calamari recipe? It’s perfect for alfresco dining with loved ones, capturing the warmth and wonder of the Mediterranean in every mouthful. Give it a try—share it over good conversation, perhaps with a crisp glass of wine, and create your own special moments that linger long after the plates are cleared.
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