Here’s a detailed recipe for Mediterranean Grilled Calamari with Lemon & Chilli Oil—a light, flavorful, and authentic dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean seaside dining.

Meat Lovers Pizza Bread

🦑 Mediterranean Grilled Calamari with Lemon & Chilli Oil

Ingredients:

For the Calamari:

• 500g fresh calamari (cleaned, tubes and tentacles separated)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh if available)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

For the Lemon & Chilli Oil:

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 red chillies (finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic (finely grated)
• Pinch of sea salt

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Calamari

1. Clean the calamari thoroughly if not pre-cleaned. Remove any skin, innards, and beak. Rinse well and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Slice the calamari tubes into wide rings or keep whole if you prefer them stuffed with flavor. Keep the tentacles intact.
3. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the calamari to the marinade, toss well, and let it rest for 20–30 minutes in the fridge. (Do not over-marinate or it will toughen).

Step 2: Make the Lemon & Chilli Oil

1. In a small pan, heat the olive oil gently over low heat.
2. Add the chopped chillies and garlic, letting them infuse for 1–2 minutes. (Do not burn garlic).
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and sea salt.
4. Let it cool slightly—it should be fragrant, tangy, and spicy.

Step 3: Grill the Calamari

1. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Grill calamari for 1–2 minutes per side only. (Overcooking makes it rubbery). It should get nice char marks and turn opaque.
3. Remove from heat and place on a serving platter.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

1. Drizzle the warm lemon & chilli oil generously over the grilled calamari.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley.
3. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with a fresh Mediterranean salad (tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, olives).
• Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the spicy lemon oil.
• Goes beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

🔥 Chef’s Tip: Always cook calamari either very quickly (under 2 minutes) or slow & long (over 30 minutes) to avoid toughness. For grilling, quick cooking is best!

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Would you like me to also write a stuffed version of grilled calamari with Mediterranean herbs & breadcrumbs, or keep it only in this simple style?

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