Calamari steak. It sounds fancy, right? Like something you’d order at a nice restaurant. But guess what? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home! And it’s a delicious way to enjoy seafood that’s a little different from the usual fish fillets or shrimp scampi. Calamari steak is simply thick slices of squid, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a wonderfully chewy texture. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can grill it, pan-fry it, bake it, or even fry it to crispy perfection. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to prepare calamari steak, along with tips for selecting, preparing, and serving it. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish! Want to know more about how calamari steak is made? Check out this helpful article: How Calamari Steak is Made.
Understanding Calamari Steaks
What is a Squid Steak?
Calamari steak is made from the mantle (the body) of a squid, cut into thick, flat pieces resembling a steak. Unlike calamari rings, which are made from the tubes of the squid, calamari steaks offer a meatier, more substantial bite. They’re perfect for grilling, pan-frying, and baking because their larger surface area allows for beautiful searing and caramelization.
Sourcing and Selecting Calamari Steak
You can find calamari steak at most well-stocked grocery stores, often in the frozen seafood section. Look for steaks that are uniformly white or slightly pinkish, firm, and free of any discoloration or strong fishy odor. Fresh calamari steak is sometimes available at fish markets, but frozen is a perfectly good option and often more readily accessible. When buying frozen, make sure the packaging is intact and the steaks are solidly frozen.
Preparing Calamari Steak
Cleaning and Tenderizing
If your calamari steak still has the thin purplish membrane attached, gently peel it off. Rinse the steaks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Tenderizing calamari is key to preventing it from becoming tough. You can do this by lightly scoring the surface in a crosshatch pattern with a sharp knife. Another method is to gently pound the steaks with a meat mallet to thin them out slightly and break down some of the muscle fibers. Sometimes, soaking calamari in milk can help tenderize it. Learn more: Why Soak Calamari in Milk?
Marinating Calamari Steak (Optional)
While not essential, marinating calamari steak can add flavor and further enhance its tenderness. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like parsley and oregano works beautifully. For a spicier option, try a marinade with olive oil, red pepper flakes, garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Marinate the steaks for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating for too long, as the acid in some marinades can start to “cook” the calamari.
Cooking Squid Steaks: Four Delicious Methods
Pan-Seared Squid Fillet
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seafood. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and it’s cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent proper searing. Cook in batches if necessary. The dish is ready when it turns opaque and feels firm to the touch. Overcooking will result in a rubbery texture. For more tips on cooking tender calamari, check out this guide.: How to Cook Tender Calamari.
Grilled Calamari Steak
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the calamari steaks for 2-3 minutes per side, until they have nice grill marks and are cooked through. For extra flavor, you can brush the steaks with a little olive oil or your favorite marinade during grilling. Like pan-searing, avoid overcooking, as this will make the calamari tough.
Baked Calamari Steak
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the calamari steaks in a lightly oiled baking dish. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly browned. You can also add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a crispy topping. Baking is a great option for a healthier, lower-fat way to enjoy calamari steak. For some delicious side dish ideas, check out this article: What to Serve with Calamari Steaks.
Fried Calamari Steak
For a truly indulgent treat, try frying your calamari steak. You can use a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk, or a seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Dip the calamari steaks in the batter or breadcrumbs, then carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels before serving. Worried about chewy calamari? This article has some helpful tips: How to Keep Calamari from Getting Chewy.
Serving and Enjoying Calamari Steak
Side Dish Pairings
Calamari steak pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. A simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the calamari. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini, also make a great accompaniment. For a heartier meal, serve calamari steak with pasta, rice, or grilled potatoes.
Sauce Recommendations
Enhance the flavor of your calamari steak with a delicious sauce. Classic tartar sauce is always a good choice, as is a garlicky aioli. A simple marinara sauce or a rich lemon butter sauce also complement calamari steak perfectly. For a Mediterranean twist, try serving it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and oregano. For another take on seafood, try this Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe.
FAQ
What can you make with calamari?
This tender seafood is fantastic on its own, but you can also get creative with leftovers. Chop it up and add it to salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. You can even use it as a topping for pizza or incorporate it into seafood appetizers.
What is the secret to tender calamari?
The key to tenderness is avoiding overcooking. Scoring or pounding the meat before cooking helps break down tough muscle fibers. Marinades containing acids like lemon juice or natural enzymes from kiwi or papaya can also enhance tenderness, but use them sparingly and avoid over-marinating.
How do you fry calamari?
Frying is easy! Dip the pieces in a batter or breadcrumb mixture and fry in hot oil (around 350°F) for just 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and make sure the oil is at the right temperature for even cooking.
How to make grilled calamari?
Grilling is quick and delicious. Preheat your grill to medium-high, lightly oil the grates, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Brush with a little oil or marinade while grilling to prevent sticking and add flavor. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! This dish is much easier to prepare than you might think. With a few simple techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you choose to pan-sear, grill, bake, or fry it, this seafood option is delicious and versatile—sure to impress. My kids even love it, especially when I serve it with a side of crispy french fries! I encourage you to give it a try and discover your favorite way to enjoy this delightful and often overlooked ingredient. For more seafood recipe ideas, check out this Calamari Steak Guide.
Crispy Pan-Seared Calamari Steak
- Total Time: PT16M
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This crispy pan-seared calamari steak is golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. Lightly breaded with a flavorful mix of panko and parmesan, it’s quickly pan-fried for a delicate crunch. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a side of garlic aioli for a restaurant-quality seafood dish at home!
Ingredients
For the Calamari Steak:
- 2 calamari steaks (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For Serving:
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup garlic aioli (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the calamari: Pat the calamari steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Set up the breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish. In another dish, beat the egg with water. In a third dish, mix panko and parmesan cheese.
- Bread the calamari: Dredge each calamari steak in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, then coat evenly with the panko-parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the calamari: Place the steaks in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcooking to keep the calamari tender.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to a plate, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges and garlic aioli.
Notes
- Variations: Try adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in an air fryer or oven.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT6M
- Category: Main Course, Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Sugar: ~1g
- Sodium: ~520mg
- Fat: ~22g
- Saturated Fat: ~6g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~14g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~24g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~28g
- Cholesterol: ~160mg
Keywords: calamari steak, crispy calamari, pan-seared calamari, seafood recipe, quick dinner, Mediterranean seafood, Italian calamari, breaded calamari