If you're looking for a unique and delicious dish to serve at your Christmas dinner, look no further than this calamari Christmas recipe. Not only is it a refreshing change from traditional holiday fare, but it's also a great way to impress your guests with your culinary skills. So, let's dive into this professional and well-organized introduction to creating the perfect calamari dish for your Christmas feast.
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise Low Fat, Sriracha, Calamari, Buttermilk Low
Fried calamari is a classic appetizer that is loved by many. The crispy texture and savory flavor make it a perfect dish to start off any meal. This recipe takes it up a notch by adding a spicy mayonnaise dip that will leave your taste buds tingling. The combination of hot and cold, crispy and creamy, makes for a delicious and satisfying dish.
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Crispy Calamari with Pesto Mayonnaise
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Dijon
If you're a fan of pesto, then you'll love this recipe. Instead of the traditional marinara sauce, this dish uses a pesto mayonnaise dip to give the calamari a burst of flavor. The crispy calamari pairs perfectly with the creamy and tangy dip, making it a must-try for any pesto lover.
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Christmas Eve & the Seven Fishes
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Minced Garlic, Crushed Red Pepper, White
In many Italian households, Christmas Eve is celebrated with a feast of seven different types of fish and seafood dishes. This tradition, known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes, is a celebration of the vigil before Christmas and is a time for families to come together and enjoy a delicious meal. Calamari is often one of the seven fishes served, and there are countless ways to prepare it for this special occasion.
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Christmas Eve Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Large Yellow Onion
This recipe is a perfect addition to your Christmas Eve feast. The calamari is cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with olives and capers, giving it a savory and slightly tangy taste. This dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a great addition to your holiday table.
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Fried Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Buttermilk, Flour, Paprika, Salt, Black
There's nothing quite like the classic fried calamari. This recipe keeps it simple by coating the calamari in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper, and frying it until crispy. Serve it with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
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Sautéed Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Tentacles, Olive Oil, Minced Garlic, Kosher
This recipe is a lighter alternative to fried calamari. The calamari is quickly sautéed in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs, giving it a delicious and flavorful taste. This dish is perfect for those looking for a healthier option without sacrificing on taste.
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Calamari a La Plancha
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Tentacles, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Chopped
A La Plancha is a Spanish term for cooking on a flat iron grill, and this method is perfect for cooking calamari. The flat iron grill adds a smoky flavor to the calamari, and it is served with a simple but tasty lemon butter sauce. This dish is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with friends and family.
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Crispy Fried Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Kosher Salt, 2 Milk, All Purpose Flour
This recipe takes fried calamari to a whole new level. The calamari is coated in a crispy panko and parmesan mixture before being fried to perfection. The result is a crunchy and flavorful calamari that will have everyone going back for seconds.
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BAKED CALAMARI
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Egg, Almond Flour, Seasoning, Lemon
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to fried calamari, then this recipe is for you. The calamari is coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan, and spices before being baked in the oven. The result is a crispy and flavorful calamari that is guilt-free and just as delicious as the fried version.
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Seafood Linguine Fra Diavolo
Main Ingredients: Linguine, Kosher Salt, Seafood, Scallops, Calamari
Fra Diavolo is a spicy tomato sauce that is often served with seafood. This recipe combines calamari with shrimp, clams, and mussels in a spicy and flavorful sauce that is served over linguine. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers and those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.
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Seafood Paella
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Arborio
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that is known for its flavorful combination of rice, vegetables, and seafood. This recipe includes calamari, shrimp, mussels, and clams, making it a seafood lover's dream. The dish is cooked in a large paella pan, giving it a beautiful presentation that is perfect for entertaining.
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Fried Calamari with Romesco
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Milk, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Salt
Romesco is a Spanish sauce made from roasted red peppers, almonds, and olive oil. This sauce is the perfect accompaniment to fried calamari, adding a creamy and slightly nutty flavor to the dish. This recipe is a unique twist on the classic fried calamari and is a must-try for those who love to experiment with different flavors.
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Lemon Pepper Grilled Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Fresh Lemon Juice, Cracked Pepper, Fresh
Grilling calamari is another great way to enjoy this delicious seafood. This recipe uses a simple marinade of lemon, pepper, and olive oil to give the calamari a zesty and fresh flavor. Serve it with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
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Seafood Soup
Main Ingredients: Cod, Calamari, Shrimp, Coconut Oil, Tomato Sauce
If you're in the mood for a hearty and comforting meal, then this seafood soup is the perfect choice. It includes calamari, shrimp, and clams in a flavorful broth made with tomatoes, herbs, and white wine. This dish is sure to warm you up on a cold winter day.
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Grilled Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Olive Oil, Red Chilli, Garlic, Lemon, Salt
Grilled calamari is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this seafood. The calamari is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before being grilled to perfection. Serve it as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
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Seafood Spaghetti
Main Ingredients: Oil, White Onion, Garlic, Chopped Cilantro, Chopped
This recipe is a twist on the classic spaghetti and meatballs, using seafood instead. The calamari, shrimp, and mussels are cooked in a flavorful marinara sauce and served over a bed of spaghetti. This dish is sure to impress and is a great way to switch up your traditional pasta night.
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Seafood Stew
Main Ingredients: Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Dry White Wine, Diced
This hearty seafood stew is packed with flavor and is perfect for a cozy night at home. The calamari, shrimp, and clams are cooked in a tomato-based broth with spices and herbs, giving it a rich and satisfying taste. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy the ultimate comfort food.
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Seafood Paella Valenciana
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Red Bell Pepper
This version of paella is the original recipe from Valencia, Spain, and is a must-try for any seafood lover. It includes a variety of seafood, including calamari, mussels, clams, and shrimp, as well as chicken and chorizo. This dish is a showstopper and perfect for special occasions.
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Seafood Pasta with Mussels & Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Mussels, Cloves, Shallots, Parsley, Linguine
This pasta dish is full of flavor and is a great way to use up any leftover calamari and mussels. The pasta is cooked in a white wine and butter sauce and served with sautéed calamari and mussels for a simple but delicious meal.
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Air Fryer Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Buttermilk, All Purpose Flour, Large Egg
If you have an air fryer, then this recipe is a must-try. The calamari is coated in a mixture of panko and parmesan and cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. This dish is a healthier alternative to fried calamari, but still just as tasty.
Preparing the Calamari
Cleaning and Cutting the Calamari
The first step in creating this calamari Christmas recipe is to properly clean and cut the calamari. Start by rinsing the calamari under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Next, use a sharp knife to remove the head and internal organs from the body. Then, remove the skin by gently pulling it off. Cut the calamari into rings or strips, depending on your preference.
Marinating the Calamari
To add flavor to the calamari, you'll want to marinate it before cooking. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Add the calamari to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
Cooking the Calamari
Frying the Calamari
For a crispy and flavorful result, frying the calamari is the way to go. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Coat the marinated calamari in the flour mixture and then carefully place it in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and then drain on paper towels.
Baking the Calamari
For a healthier option, you can also bake the calamari. Preheat your oven to 425°F and place the marinated calamari on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the calamari is tender and slightly crispy.
Serving the Calamari
Now that your calamari is cooked, it's time to serve it up for your Christmas feast. You can serve it as an appetizer with a dipping sauce such as marinara or aioli. Or, you can incorporate it into your main course by serving it over a bed of pasta or rice. Get creative and have fun with your presentation to impress your guests.
With this calamari Christmas recipe, you'll have a unique and delicious dish that will be the talk of the holiday season. So, don't be afraid to step outside of your traditional Christmas menu and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
