Indulge in the bold and zesty flavors of the South with our Sautéed Cajun Calamari. This dish features tender calamari rings seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend, then sautéed to perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, this recipe is quick to prepare and will transport your taste buds to the heart of Louisiana. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 pound calamari rings (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Cajun seasoning. Mix well and set aside.
- Pat the calamari rings dry with paper towels. This helps ensure they cook properly without releasing too much water.
- Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the calamari rings, tossing to coat them thoroughly.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the skillet is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned calamari rings to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the calamari is opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as calamari can become rubbery.
- Remove the calamari from the skillet and transfer to a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with the lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the calamari.
How to Prepare
The secret to perfect sautéed calamari lies in quick cooking over high heat. Patting the calamari dry ensures they sear rather than steam, while the Cajun seasoning provides a spicy, flavorful crust. The addition of garlic enhances the dish with aromatic notes, and finishing with fresh parsley and lemon juice adds brightness and balance to the spice.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: About 20 minutes
Servings
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings as an appetizer or 2 servings as a main course.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen calamari? Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking.
- How do I avoid overcooking calamari? Cook the calamari quickly over high heat, just 2-3 minutes per side until opaque. Overcooking can make it tough and rubbery.
- What can I serve with Cajun calamari? It pairs well with a fresh salad, rice, or crusty bread. A dipping sauce like aioli or a spicy remoulade is also a great addition.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the seasoning and clean the calamari ahead of time for quick cooking.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat.