BBQ Calamari Recipe | Juicy, Spicy & Quick Grilled Squid

Calamari dish that most people don’t like, just because of their bad previous experience. If you are also one of those who don’t want to test again, then I am here to change your mind with this guide on how to make BBQ calamari recipe. This is the best dish that is spicy, flavorful, and juicy. I have been making this dish for the last 6 years for my family, and everyone loves to eat it.

This is my go-to recipe for unplanned guests to impress them. In this blog, I will explain a step-by-step guide, like having an imaginary presence in your kitchen. One more thing that you need to understand us you don’t need to be an expert or master in cooking, you just need the right techniques to cook calamari. Let’s get into:

What is Calamari?

Before we begin cooking, let us briefly discuss what is BBQ calamari recipe. Calamari simply refers to squid. When cleaned and prepared the correct way, squid becomes tender, a bit sweet, and perfect for grilling. It absorbs flavors well and only requires a few minutes on high heat to cook.

How to Make BBQ Calamari Recipe: Complete Guide

Step 1: Buying and Cleaning Calamari

Almost every grocery shop, with a couple of the most isolated ones, sells calamari, either frozen in packages or fresh in the seafood section. Since pre-cut rings could turn out to be small or chewy when cooked, I advise using whole calamari whenever possible to achieve tender BBQ calamari at home. Select a calamari that is 6 to 8 inches long. You will need to clean the squid if you are using a whole one. It’s easier than it seems, so don’t panic.

First, slowly remove the tentacles and head from the body. It will come out with the interior stuff. Insert your hand into the body and pull out the transparent bone that looks plastic. Throw it out together with any remaining liquid. Wash the squid’s body with cold water to get rid of the thin purple skin. It looks cleaner when you remove it, but you can keep it if you want to.

Remove the eyes and beak, and trim the tentacles to eye level. Additionally, wash the tentacles. You can now prepare your squid. If you purchased cleaned calamari, you can skip this step and go straight to the marinade.

Step 2: Making the Marinade

Calamari doesn’t need a lot to taste good, but soaking it in a marinade for 30 minutes adds flavor and keeps it soft. Here’s what I use for calamari barbecue marinade ideas:

·         4 tablespoons olive oil

·         Juice of one lemon

·         2 garlic cloves, chopped

·         1 teaspoon smoked paprika

·         Half a teaspoon of chili flakes (optional if you like a little spice)

·         Salt and pepper to taste

·         A handful of chopped parsley

Mix everything in a bowl. Cut the squid bodies into wide strips or keep them whole if they’re small. Add the squid and tentacles to the marinade, making sure all pieces are coated well. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Don’t let it sit too long because the lemon juice can start to “cook” the squid like ceviche and make it tough. Thirty minutes is just right.

Step 3: Getting the Grill Ready

While the calamari is marinating, heat your grill. You want it hot because squid cooks best with quick, high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, light it and wait for the coals to turn white. If you’re using a gas grill, turn it on high and let it heat for 10 to 15 minutes.

Clean the grill grates with a brush, then lightly oil them using a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. Be careful, it can flare up. This stops the squid from sticking.

Step 4: Grilling the Calamari

When the grill is hot and the calamari is ready, it’s time to cook to create a crispy yet juicy BBQ calamari recipe. Place the squid bodies and tentacles right on the hot grill. They only need 1 to 2 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they curl up a bit and get nice grill marks. Don’t leave them alone, squid cooks fast and can turn rubbery quickly if overcooked.

Flip them once and watch for them to turn white and firm. If they puff up a little, that’s okay. Tentacles may cook faster, so check them first. Take everything off the grill and let it rest for a minute while you get ready to serve.

Step 5: Serving and Eating

Now, the most exciting part is eating. For an exciting finish, squeeze more fresh lemon juice over the top and add more herbs on top. If you’d like, you may also add a pinch of sea salt and more olive oil. Serve BBQ calamari as a starter or snack on its own, or as part of a larger dinner.

I like to serve it with some crispy bread, grilled veggies, or a salad. It also works well as a seafood surprise in wraps or chopped up for spaghetti. You can go one step further and make a spicy sauce or garlic sauce for dipping. However, you might not even need anything because it’s that amazing on its own.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Calamari Recipe

Let me share some tips I’ve learned from making this many times:

1.      Make sure to always dip it for about 5 minutes into the marinade for a great flavor and taste.

2.      Be careful while cooking and don’t overcook. Only a minute is enough for both sides.

3.      Keep your flame high because on a low flame, it will stick to the pot, and the colors don’t turn out great.

4.      Don’t immediately cook frozen squid, let it sit for the rest of one and a half hours in cold water or overnight.

5.      Before applying the marinade, keep the calamari rings dry.

6.      Don’t worry about the appearance of calamari. It is the easiest way to cook it like according to the instructions.

Final Thoughts

It’s not as hard as it looks to prepare BBQ calamari. After the first attempt at how to make BBQ calamari, you will be asking why you did not do it sooner. It is tasty, quick, and unique without being excessive. This recipe is a winner whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just want to try something new for dinner.

The best part is that, including scrubbing and cleaning, it takes less than an hour to complete from start to finish. Therefore, the next time you see fresh squid at the supermarket, grab some and try it. You won’t be let down.

FAQs

Can I use frozen calamari for this recipe?

Yes, frozen calamari works great. Just make sure to fully thaw it before marinating. Dry it with paper towels so the marinade sticks, and it doesn’t get soggy on the grill.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No worries. You can use a grill pan on the stove or even a regular non-stick pan. Just make sure it’s hot before cooking and use the same timing.

How can I stop calamari from becoming rubbery?

The key is to cook it fast and on high heat. Just 1 to 2 minutes per side is enough. Overcooking is the main reason it turns chewy.

Can I marinate calamari overnight?

It’s better not to. The lemon juice can break it down too much and make it soft or mushy. Stick to 30 minutes for the best results.

What can I serve with BBQ calamari?

It goes well with grilled veggies, salad, couscous, rice, or even wrapped in pita bread. It’s also great on top of pasta for a seafood dish.