Mediterranean Grilled Calamari with Lemon & Chilli Oil
Grilled calamari is a classic Mediterranean dish that’s light, flavorful, and quick to make. Instead of frying, this recipe keeps things fresh and healthy by grilling the squid until tender and lightly charred. The drizzle of lemon and chilli oil adds brightness and just the right amount of heat, making it a perfect appetizer or main to serve with fresh bread, salads, or roasted vegetables.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Calamari:
500 g fresh calamari (cleaned, tubes and tentacles)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
For the Lemon & Chilli Oil:
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 red chilli, finely chopped (or ½ tsp chilli flakes)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Pinch of sea salt
To Serve:
Lemon wedges
Extra parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Calamari:
Rinse the calamari tubes and tentacles under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Lightly score the tubes in a crisscross pattern (don’t cut all the way through) to help them cook evenly and absorb flavor.
Marinate:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Toss the calamari in this mixture and let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you heat the grill.
Make the Lemon & Chilli Oil:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped chilli, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Grill the Calamari:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat.
Place calamari tubes and tentacles on the grill. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred and just opaque (do not overcook or it will become rubbery).
Serve:
Transfer grilled calamari to a serving plate.
Drizzle generously with the lemon & chilli oil.
Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
Tips
Don’t overcook: Calamari cooks very quickly. Over 4–5 minutes and it can turn tough. Aim for just opaque and lightly charred.
Pat dry before grilling: Excess moisture can make the calamari steam instead of sear, so drying well is important.
Use a grill pan if needed: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan or even a heavy cast-iron skillet works.
Marinate briefly: A short 10–15 minute marinade is enough. Longer marinades can make calamari mushy.
Serve immediately: Grilled calamari tastes best hot off the grill.
Variations
Spicy kick: Add more chilli flakes or a drizzle of harissa to the oil for extra heat.
Garlic lovers: Infuse the chilli oil with roasted or lightly fried garlic for deeper flavor.
Herb twist: Swap parsley for basil, dill, or cilantro depending on what you like.
Mediterranean platter: Serve alongside grilled vegetables, olives, and flatbread for a mezze-style meal.
Stuffed calamari: Instead of grilling plain tubes, you can stuff them with a simple breadcrumb, garlic, and herb mixture before grilling.
Citrus swap: Try lime or orange zest instead of lemon for a different citrus profile.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen calamari instead of fresh?
A: Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before grilling. Frozen calamari is often already cleaned and tender.
Q: How do I keep calamari from turning rubbery?
A: The key is quick cooking at high heat. Grill for just a few minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best eaten immediately, but you can prepare the lemon & chilli oil ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before serving.
Q: What can I serve with grilled calamari?
A: A fresh green salad, roasted potatoes, or a side of couscous or orzo makes it a complete Mediterranean meal.
Q: Can I cook this without a grill?
A: Yes, you can use a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stovetop. A broiler also works in a pinch.
Nutrition Breakdown
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~210
Protein: 20 g
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugars: 0 g
Sodium: 380 mg
(Values are approximate and will vary with portion sizes and exact ingredients.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Grilled Calamari with Lemon & Chilli Oil is a simple dish that delivers big on flavor. It’s fresh, light, and satisfying without being heavy, making it perfect for warm evenings, dinner parties, or as a healthy main course. With just a few quality ingredients, you get a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.