Are you tired of rubbery, bland seafood that disappoints every time you grill? Prepare to revolutionize your summer cooking with the most mouthwatering Lemon Pepper Grilled Calamari recipe that will transport you straight to a Mediterranean coastline! This simple yet sophisticated dish combines zesty lemon, bold black pepper, and tender calamari in a culinary masterpiece that will impress even the most discerning food lovers. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and become the star chef of your next gathering!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound calamari, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the calamari. If not already cleaned, rinse the calamari under cold water and remove any remaining skin or innards. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, olive oil, and salt. Whisk together until well blended to create a marinade.
- Add the cleaned calamari to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- While the calamari is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Once the grill is hot, remove the calamari from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the calamari directly on the grill or grill pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the calamari becomes opaque and has nice grill marks. Be careful not to overcook, as calamari can become tough if cooked for too long.
- Once cooked, remove the calamari from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges if desired, and enjoy your Lemon Pepper Grilled Calamari!
Tips
- Pat the calamari completely dry before marinating to ensure perfect grill marks and prevent steaming.
- Don't overcook! Calamari becomes tough quickly - 2-3 minutes per side is the sweet spot.
- Use fresh, high-quality calamari for the best flavor and texture.
- If using a grill pan, make sure it's preheated to medium-high heat to get those beautiful char marks.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle kick.
- Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy the calamari at its most tender and flavorful moment.
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that complements the lemony marinade.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 102kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 7g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 275mg
