16 Portuguese Calamari Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
Calamari, also known as squid, has been a staple in Portuguese cuisine for centuries. With its tender texture and mild flavor, it is no wonder that this seafood delicacy has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. While there are many ways to prepare calamari, one traditional Portuguese recipe stands out above the rest. In this article, we will share with you the secrets to creating a mouthwatering Portuguese calamari dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise Low Fat, Sriracha, Calamari, Buttermilk Low
If you're a fan of seafood, you'll love this twist on traditional fried chicken. This recipe calls for beer-battered calamari rings served with a spicy mayonnaise for dipping. The crispiness of the calamari combined with the heat of the mayo creates a mouth-watering combination that you won't be able to resist. Perfect for an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe is a must-try for any seafood lover.
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Crispy Calamari with Pesto Mayonnaise
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Dijon
Another take on fried calamari, this recipe adds a flavorful twist with the addition of a homemade pesto mayonnaise. The combination of the crispy calamari and the herbaceous mayo creates a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve as an appetizer or pair with a side salad for a light and delicious meal.
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Fried Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Buttermilk, Flour, Paprika, Salt, Black
For a more traditional take on fried calamari, this recipe calls for a simple flour and seasoning coating before frying. The result? Crispy, perfectly seasoned calamari that is sure to please. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Sautéed Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Tentacles, Olive Oil, Minced Garlic, Kosher
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to fried calamari, try sautéing it instead. This recipe calls for cooking the calamari in a pan with garlic, olive oil, and herbs. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
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Calamari a La Plancha
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Tentacles, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Chopped
This Spanish-inspired dish is a great option for those who love grilled calamari. The calamari is marinated in a mixture of spices and olive oil before being grilled to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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BAKED CALAMARI
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Egg, Almond Flour, Seasoning, Lemon
If you're watching your calorie intake, try this baked calamari recipe. The calamari is coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices before being baked in the oven. The result is a crispy and flavorful dish that is much healthier than its fried counterpart.
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Crispy Fried Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Kosher Salt, 2 Milk, All Purpose Flour
This recipe takes a classic approach to fried calamari, using a simple flour and seasoning coating before frying. But the secret to this dish is the addition of a spicy aioli for dipping. The combination of the crispy calamari and the creamy, spicy sauce is a match made in heaven.
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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 and almonds, and it pairs perfectly with fried calamari. This recipe calls for serving the calamari with a side of Romesco sauce for dipping. The result is a flavorful and unique dish that will impress any dinner guests.
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Grilled Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Olive Oil, Red Chilli, Garlic, Lemon, Salt
If you're a fan of grilled seafood, you'll love this simple grilled calamari recipe. The calamari is marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before being grilled to perfection. Serve with a side of lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt for a light and delicious meal.
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Lemon Pepper Grilled Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Fresh Lemon Juice, Cracked Pepper, Fresh
For a twist on traditional grilled calamari, try this lemon pepper version. The calamari is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, pepper, and spices before being grilled. The result is a burst of tangy and peppery flavors in every bite.
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Air Fryer Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Buttermilk, All Purpose Flour, Large Egg
If you have an air fryer, you have to try this recipe for calamari. The calamari is coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs and spices before being air-fried to crispy perfection. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Neapolitan-Style Fried Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, All Purpose Flour, Canola Oil, Salt, Pepper
This Italian-inspired dish takes fried calamari to the next level. The calamari is coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and herbs before being fried to crispy perfection. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Seafood Pasta with Mussels & Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Mussels, Cloves, Shallots, Parsley, Linguine
If you're a fan of seafood and pasta, this dish is for you. This recipe calls for cooking mussels and calamari in a tomato-based sauce and serving it over your favorite pasta. The result is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for a special occasion.
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Calamari in Umido - Calamari Tomato Sauce pressure...
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Chopped Tomatoes, White Wine, Garlic
This traditional Italian dish is a great option for those looking for a unique way to cook calamari. The calamari is cooked in a tomato-based sauce and served over pasta or rice. The result is a hearty and flavorful meal that is sure to please.
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Simple Calamari for Calamari a la Plancha
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Garlic, Chilli Flakes
This dish is perfect for those who love the simplicity of grilled calamari. The calamari is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before being grilled to perfection. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt for a light and delicious meal.
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Sauteed Calamari with Tomato Caper Salsa
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley
For a burst of tangy and savory flavors, try this sautéed calamari recipe. The calamari is cooked in a pan with garlic, olive oil, and herbs before being topped with a homemade tomato caper salsa. Serve with a side of rice or pasta for a complete meal.
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Sriracha & Honey Tossed Calamari
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Club Soda, Flour, Salt, Honey, Sriracha, Red
If you're a fan of spicy food, this recipe is for you. The calamari is coated in a mixture of sriracha and honey before being fried to crispy perfection. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
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Lemon Calamari Salad
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Red Onion, Kalamata Olives, Celery, Red
This refreshing and light calamari salad is perfect for a hot summer day. The calamari is marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs before being grilled and served over a bed of greens. Top with a homemade lemon vinaigrette for a burst of flavor.
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Satueed Calamari with Tomato Caper Salsa
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley
This sautéed calamari recipe is taken up a notch with the addition of a homemade tomato caper salsa. The calamari is cooked in a pan with garlic, olive oil, and herbs before being topped with the flavorful salsa. Serve with a side of rice or pasta for a complete meal.
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Calamari Salad
Main Ingredients: Calamari, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Olive Oil, Red Onion
This refreshing and light calamari salad is perfect for a hot summer day. The calamari is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs before being grilled and served over a bed of greens. Top with a homemade lemon vinaigrette for a burst of flavor.
The Perfect Blend of Seasonings
Portuguese cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful seasonings, and this calamari recipe is no exception. The key to achieving the perfect blend of flavors lies in the marinade. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, paprika, parsley, and bay leaves. This mixture will infuse the calamari with a rich and savory taste that is unique to Portuguese cuisine. Let the calamari marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Fresh is Best
When it comes to calamari, freshness is key. Look for fresh calamari at your local seafood market or fishmonger. The squid should have a firm texture and a slightly sweet smell. Avoid any squid that has a strong fishy odor or feels slimy to the touch. Fresh calamari not only tastes better but also has a more tender texture when cooked.
The Perfect Cooking Method
While there are many different ways to cook calamari, the Portuguese prefer to grill it. This method gives the calamari a slightly charred and smoky flavor that complements the marinade perfectly. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the calamari for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is opaque and has a slight char. Be careful not to overcook the calamari as it can become tough and rubbery.
Serving Suggestions
Once the calamari is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve it up. This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad. For an authentic Portuguese experience, serve the calamari with a side of piri-piri sauce. This spicy and tangy sauce adds an extra kick to the dish and is a staple condiment in Portuguese cuisine.
In Conclusion
With its flavorful marinade, fresh ingredients, and unique cooking method, this Portuguese calamari recipe is sure to impress. Whether you are looking to impress dinner guests or simply want to add a new dish to your repertoire, give this recipe a try and taste the flavors of Portugal in every bite.
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