Marinated Calamari

Delight your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of Marinated Calamari, a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Tender calamari rings are delicately blanched and instantly cooled in an ice bath to achieve the perfect texture, then infused with a zesty marinade of fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and fragrant herbs like parsley and oregano. A touch of red chili flakes adds a gentle kick, while lemon zest elevates the dish with a burst of citrusy freshness. This no-fuss yet elegant appetizer is ready in under 30 minutes (plus marinating time) and can be served chilled on its own or as a sophisticated topping for mixed greens. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion, this dish highlights the natural sweetness of calamari while showcasing Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams fresh calamari (cleaned and cut into rings)
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 whole zest of one lemon
• 2 liters water
• 2 cups ice cubes

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.

Step 2

Blanch the cleaned calamari rings in the boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes, just until they turn opaque and are tender. Be careful not to overcook.

Step 3

Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and adding ice cubes.

Step 4

Using a slotted spoon, quickly transfer the blanched calamari to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes, then drain well.

Step 5

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, red chili flakes, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to create the marinade.

Step 6

Add the drained calamari to the bowl and toss well to ensure the calamari is evenly coated with the marinade.

Step 7

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to develop. For better results, marinate for up to 4 hours.

Step 8

Before serving, give the calamari a gentle stir to redistribute the marinade. Serve chilled as an appetizer or on a bed of mixed greens.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3134.5 grams (3134.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	871

Total Fat 49.40g	63%
Saturated Fat 8.60g	43%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 1165mg	388%
Sodium 1451mg	63%
Total Carbohydrate 24.00g	9%
Dietary Fiber 1.70g	6%
Total Sugars 1.90g
Protein 79.00g	158%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 272mg	21%
Iron 4mg	20%
Potassium 1412mg	30%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.9%

Protein: 36.9%

Carbs: 11.2%