Calamari Steak is a delicious way to turn the appetizer favorite into a main dish! Coated in panko and pan-fried until brown, it’s classic, quick, and perfect for weeknights.
Calamari steak is a dish that might be yummy, but it’s quite simple to make. If you’re a fan of seafood and looking to try a new recipe, calamari steak is a great recipe. This guide will walk you through the steps to make a delicious calamari steak that you can enjoy at home.
Why People Love This Recipe
People love this calamari steak recipe because it’s quick, easy, and delicious, making a restaurant-quality dish with low effort. The combination of tender calamari, flavorful garlic butter, and fresh lemon creates a light yet satisfying meal. It’s a healthy and versatile option that pairs well with various sides, making it perfect for any occasion, whether a casual dinner or a special treat.
What is Calamari Steak?
Calamari steak comes from large seafood, typically the mantle (body) of the squid, which is a mixture and prepared like a stove. It’s tender, mildly flavored, and cooks quickly, making it a fantastic choice for dinner.
Ingredients you’ll Need For This Recipe:
- Calamari Steaks: 2 steaks (about 6-8 ounces each)
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions How to Make Recipe
- Prepare the Steaks: Pat the calamari steaks dry with a paper towel. This helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring a good sear when cooking.
- Season: Tasty both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper. If you like a bit of spice, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooking oil and let it heat up until it’s shimmering.
- Cook the Steaks: Place the calamari steaks in the hot pan. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side. They should become brown and slightly crispy on the outside. Be careful not to overcook them, as calamari can become tough if cooked too long.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the pan, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the butter and let it melt, coating the steaks.
- Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Squeeze the lemon juice over the steaks and sprinkle with fresh parsley. The lemon adds a nice acidity that complements the mild flavor of the calamari, while the parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve: Remove the steaks from the pan and serve immediately. They pair well with a side of vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcook: The key to a tender calamari steak is not to overcook it. It only needs a couple of minutes on each side.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment by adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a splash of white wine to the pan sauce.
How to Store Leftover Calamari Steaks
To store leftover calamari steaks, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They should be consumed within 1-2 days to maintain freshness. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the calamari from becoming tough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best way to tenderize calamari steaks?
Calamari steaks naturally taste, but if you’re worried about toughness, you can lightly pound them with a meat mallet before cooking. This step is optional but can help if the steaks are particularly thick.
2. Can I use frozen calamari steaks?
Yes, you can use frozen calamari steaks. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps them sear better.
3. How do I know when calamari steaks are done cooking?
Calamari steaks cook very quickly. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a light golden brown and become slightly firm to the touch. They should only take about 2 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep a close eye on them.
Recipe!
Calamari Steak Recipe
Equipment
- oven
- Mixing bowls
- pan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb Calamari steaks 4 whole steaks
- 3 tbsp All purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- ¼ cup Finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 Large egg
- 1 tbsp Rinsed and drained capers
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- Lemon wedges
- 1-½ tbsp Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Water
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Take a large skillet and add olive oil to it then heat it on medium-high flame until it is completely hot but is not smoking.
- In the meantime, take a bowl and add black pepper, grated parmesan cheese, and all-purpose flour in it. Stir the three of them together. Take another bowl and add water and egg to it. Beat them slightly.
- Then take a calamari steak and drudge it into the flour mixture. Shake off the excess of the flour. Then give it a dive into the egg mixture. Let the excess of the mixture drip down and then place the steak on a plate or a dish. Repeat the same with the second steak.
- Place both the steaks you prepared into the skillet with hot olive oil and saute them. Keep the flame somewhat high. Saute both sides for 1-2 minutes each, or wait until the side turns golden brown and then turn over to the other side.
- When the steaks are done cooking, transfer them out of the skillet. Place on a platter and cover them to keep warm. Repeat the same with the remaining 2 steaks, dredge, dunk, and saute.
- Remove the excess fat that has gathered in the skillet. Then add butter, lemon juice, and capers. Cook them at medium heat until the butter melts. It will take 45-60 seconds.
- When the lemon caper sauce is ready, pour it on the calamari steaks. The mouth-watering calamari steak is ready. Bon Appetit!
Notes
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcook: The key to a tender calamari steak is not to overcook it. It only needs a couple of minutes on each side.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment by adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a splash of white wine to the pan sauce.