Grilled Lemon Calamari Instead of Fried
Fried calamari is a classic starter but soaks up oil. Grilled hot and fast for two minutes with lemon and garlic, it stays tender and light.
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How it beats fried
- No breadcrumbs or deep frying
- About a third of the calories
- High protein, low fat
Grilled Calamari
15 minPrep
4 minGrill
3Servings
190kcal
Ingredients
- 500 g cleaned squid (rings or tubes)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Paprika and oregano
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
Method
- Pat the squid very dry and marinate with lemon, garlic, oil and spices for 15 minutes.
- Heat a grill or cast-iron pan until very hot.
- Grill the squid just 1–2 minutes per side.
- Finish with parsley; serve with salad and lemon.
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Tip
Squid needs either 2 minutes or 30+ minutes of slow cooking — anything in between turns rubbery.
Cleaning squid easily
Most supermarket squid comes cleaned. If whole: pull out the head and innards, remove the clear quill, peel the outer skin and rinse well.
Frequently asked questions
Why does squid go rubbery?
It was cooked a medium amount of time. Either 2 minutes on high heat or 30+ minutes low and slow.
Is squid halal?
Yes — as seafood it is halal according to most scholars.
How many calories?
About 190 kcal per grilled serving; breaded and fried is double or more.
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⚠️ For general education only. If you have a health condition or allergy, consult your doctor.