Description
This Spicy Sautéed Calamari Delight is a vibrant and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender calamari cooked quickly with a spicy blend of hot peppers, garlic, and fresh herbs. Finished with a crispy breadcrumb topping, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and texture for an irresistible appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Calamari and Sauté Base
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp chopped garlic
- ½ cup thinly-sliced hot peppers
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup capers
- ¼ cup pitted black, oil-cured olives
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 pounds calamari (tentacles and rings)
- 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- to taste salt and black pepper
Breadcrumb Topping
- 2 Tbsp butter
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the breadcrumb topping: Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add ½ cup panko breadcrumbs and 1 Tbsp chopped parsley. Cook, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 2 Tbsp butter over medium-low heat. Add 2 Tbsp chopped garlic, ½ cup thinly-sliced hot peppers, ½ cup chopped green onions, and ½ cup chopped parsley. Cook gently until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add flavor elements: Stir in ¼ cup capers, ¼ cup pitted black olives, and 1 tsp paprika. Continue cooking for 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to blend well and dry out slightly.
- Cook the calamari: Increase heat to medium-high and add 2 pounds of calamari (tentacles and rings) to the skillet. Stir-fry rapidly for about 30 seconds to prevent overcooking. Immediately pour in 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice and add the remaining ½ cup chopped green onions and ½ cup chopped parsley. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately: Plate the sautéed calamari and generously top with the crispy herb breadcrumb mixture. Optionally, drizzle extra fresh lemon juice over the dish to brighten flavors before serving.
Notes
- Calamari cooks very quickly—overcooking will make it tough and rubbery, so keep the sauté brief.
- Adjust the amount of hot peppers according to your preferred spice level.
- Panko breadcrumbs add a crunchy contrast, but you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs if needed.
- Fresh lemon juice added at the end enhances the dish’s brightness and complements the spicy and savory flavors.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
