Calamari, also known as squid, is a popular seafood ingredient in Japanese cuisine. This versatile and flavorful seafood can be prepared in a variety of ways, including deep-fried, grilled, or sautéed. One of the most delicious and beloved dishes in Japan is the Japanese calamari recipe. This traditional recipe combines tender calamari with a savory marinade, creating a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ingredients and steps needed to create this delectable dish.
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise Low Fat, Sriracha, Calamari, Buttermilk Low
If you're a fan of crispy, flavorful appetizers, this Fried Calamari with Spicy Mayonnaise recipe is a must-try. The combination of tender calamari and spicy mayo will have your taste buds dancing with delight. It's also surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick and delicious snack or even a party appetizer.
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Crispy Calamari with Pesto Mayonnaise
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Dijon
For a twist on the classic calamari, try this Crispy Calamari with Pesto Mayonnaise recipe. The addition of pesto to the mayo adds a burst of flavor that complements the crispy calamari perfectly. Plus, this recipe is baked, not fried, making it a healthier option without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.
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Fried Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Buttermilk, Flour, Paprika, Salt, Black
For a traditional take on Fried Calamari, this recipe is a winner. The calamari is lightly coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to a crispy golden brown. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
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Sautéed Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Tentacles, Olive Oil, Minced Garlic, Kosher
If you're looking for a quick and easy calamari dish, this Sautéed Calamari recipe is for you. The calamari is cooked in a simple garlic and herb butter sauce, creating a flavorful and tender dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course. Serve it over pasta or with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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Calamari a La Plancha
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Tentacles, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Chopped
This Spanish-inspired dish is all about simplicity and flavor. Calamari a La Plancha is calamari cooked on a hot griddle until it's tender and slightly charred. It's then served with a sprinkle of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon for a dish that lets the calamari shine.
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Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pancake)
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Cabbage, Spring Onion, Pickled Ginger
Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake, is a delicious and unique way to enjoy calamari. The calamari is mixed with a batter made of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, then cooked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Top it with your favorite okonomiyaki sauce and enjoy this tasty and filling dish.
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BAKED CALAMARI
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Egg, Almond Flour, Seasoning, Lemon
If you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy calamari, this Baked Calamari recipe is a great option. The calamari is coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then baked in the oven until crispy and golden brown. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and your favorite dipping sauce for a guilt-free treat.
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Crispy Fried Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Kosher Salt, 2 Milk, All Purpose Flour
This Crispy Fried Calamari recipe has a secret ingredient that takes it to the next level – cornmeal! The calamari is coated in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and seasonings, then fried to a perfect crunch. Serve it with a side of marinara sauce for a delicious and satisfying appetizer.
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Grilled Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Olive Oil, Red Chilli, Garlic, Lemon, Salt
If you're firing up the grill, don't forget to add some calamari to the menu. This Grilled Calamari recipe is simple yet flavorful – the calamari is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before being cooked on the grill. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley for a delicious and light summer dish.
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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 garlic, and it's the perfect accompaniment to this Fried Calamari recipe. The calamari is coated in a crispy batter and served with the rich and flavorful romesco sauce for a unique and delicious twist on a classic dish.
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Lemon Pepper Grilled Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Fresh Lemon Juice, Cracked Pepper, Fresh
This Lemon Pepper Grilled Calamari recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers. The calamari is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and pepper, then grilled to perfection. The tangy and peppery flavors are the perfect complement to the tender calamari.
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Air Fryer Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Buttermilk, All Purpose Flour, Large Egg
If you have an air fryer, this Air Fryer Calamari recipe is a must-try. The calamari is coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs and seasonings, then cooked in the air fryer until crispy and golden brown. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce for a healthier take on a classic appetizer.
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Neapolitan-Style Fried Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, All Purpose Flour, Canola Oil, Salt, Pepper
This Neapolitan-Style Fried Calamari recipe is a delicious and unique way to enjoy calamari. The calamari is coated in a mixture of flour, egg, and parmigiana cheese before being fried to a crispy perfection. Serve it with a side of marinara sauce for a taste of Italy.
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Seafood Pasta with Mussels & Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Mussels, Cloves, Shallots, Parsley, Linguine
This Seafood Pasta with Mussels & Calamari recipe is a seafood lover's dream. The calamari is cooked with mussels and served over a bed of pasta in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Calamari in Umido - Calamari Tomato Sauce pressure...
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Chopped Tomatoes, White Wine, Garlic
Calamari in Umido is an Italian dish that translates to "calamari in tomato sauce." This recipe uses a pressure cooker to create a rich and flavorful tomato sauce that perfectly compliments the tender calamari. Serve it over pasta for a delicious and hearty meal.
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Simple Calamari for Calamari a la Plancha
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Garlic, Chilli Flakes
This Simple Calamari recipe is perfect for those who want to try making Calamari a la Plancha without any fancy ingredients or techniques. The calamari is simply cooked in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and parsley, creating a dish that is bursting with flavor and easy to make.
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Sauteed Calamari with Tomato Caper Salsa
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley
This Sauteed Calamari with Tomato Caper Salsa recipe is a delicious and unique way to enjoy calamari. The calamari is cooked in a garlic and white wine sauce and served with a tangy and flavorful salsa made from tomatoes, capers, and herbs. Serve it over pasta or with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Sriracha & Honey Tossed Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Club Soda, Flour, Salt, Honey, Sriracha, Red
For a spicy and sweet twist on calamari, try this Sriracha & Honey Tossed Calamari recipe. The calamari is tossed in a mixture of sriracha, honey, and soy sauce, then cooked until crispy and golden brown. It's the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, and it's sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
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Lemon Calamari Salad
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Red Onion, Kalamata Olives, Celery, Red
This Lemon Calamari Salad recipe is a light and refreshing way to enjoy calamari. The calamari is marinated in a lemon and herb dressing, then served over a bed of greens with a simple vinaigrette. It's the perfect summer salad that is both flavorful and healthy.
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Satueed Calamari with Tomato Caper Salsa
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley
This Sauteed Calamari with Tomato Caper Salsa recipe is a delicious and unique way to enjoy calamari. The calamari is cooked in a garlic and white wine sauce and served with a tangy and flavorful salsa made from tomatoes, capers, and herbs. Serve it over pasta or with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
The Key Ingredients
When it comes to Japanese calamari, the key to a successful dish lies in the quality and freshness of the ingredients. The star of this dish is, of course, the calamari, which can be found in most seafood markets. Look for fresh, whole calamari and ask the fishmonger to clean and prepare them for you. This will save you time and effort in the kitchen. Soy sauce is another important ingredient in this recipe, giving the dish its signature savory and umami flavor. Other key ingredients include rice vinegar, sake, mirin, ginger, and garlic, which all add complexity and depth to the marinade.
Marinating the Calamari
One of the key steps in creating the perfect Japanese calamari dish is marinating the calamari. This step not only infuses the calamari with flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. To make the marinade, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sake, mirin, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. For an extra kick of flavor, add some chili flakes or sesame oil to the marinade as well. Next, add the cleaned and prepared calamari to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. This will allow the calamari to absorb all the delicious flavors of the marinade.
Cooking the Calamari
After marinating, it's time to cook the calamari. The most popular method is to deep-fry the calamari, giving it a crispy and golden exterior. However, if you prefer a healthier option, you can also grill or sauté the calamari. Once the calamari is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the Japanese calamari hot, garnished with some green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Japanese calamari recipe is a must-try for any seafood lover. With its simple yet flavorful marinade and versatile cooking methods, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not give it a try and experience the deliciousness of Japanese calamari for yourself?
