Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly charred, tender calamari that bursts with Mediterranean flavors - this Grilled Squid Skewers Calamari Souvlaki is your ticket to a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance! Straight from the sun-drenched shores of Greece, this recipe transforms simple seafood into a mouthwatering delicacy that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the calamari by thoroughly cleaning and patting dry with paper towels. Cut the calamari into uniform rings approximately 1-inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the marinade ingredients together until well blended.
- Add the calamari rings to the marinade, gently tossing to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the seafood.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning. Thread the marinated calamari rings carefully onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even heat distribution.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the prepared calamari skewers on the hot grill. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until the calamari is lightly charred and opaque.
- Remove skewers from the grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes. The calamari should be tender and have a slight smoky flavor.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh lemon wedges, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Optional: accompany with tzatziki sauce or Greek salad.
Tips
- Always pat calamari completely dry before marinating to ensure proper charring and prevent steaming
- Don't overcook! Calamari becomes tough quickly - 2-3 minutes per side is the golden rule
- Use fresh, high-quality calamari for the best flavor and texture
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for optimal searing
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to enhance the seafood's natural flavors
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 104kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
