Welcome, food enthusiasts!
Today, we are about to embark on a journey through the remarkable culinary traditions of Italy, with a focus on a true gem of our gastronomic heritage: Grilled Breaded Calamari.
This dish, humble yet irresistible, stands as a testament to the masterful artistry of Italian cuisine.
While it can be savored across the whole country, its true essence can be found on the enchanting island of Sicily.
Sicily, a region renowned for its profound love for food and unwavering dedication to culinary customs, holds indeed a special place in the hearts of seafood enthusiasts.
Every preparation here is an ode to brilliance, revealing the boundless creativity and deep-rooted reverence for the region’s gastronomic roots.
Yet, even in seemingly simple recipes, one must navigate potential pitfalls.
The greatest adversary, in this case, is overcooking – a single misstep that could transform our tender calamari into an uninviting, rubbery disappointment.
But don’t worry, dear readers!
We are here to guide you through this process, sharing the secrets and tricks required to create the perfect Grilled Breaded Calamari.
Before we delve into the preparation, let us first uncover the key to achieving unparalleled tenderness on the inside and a delectably golden, crispy coating on the outside.
One essential technique involves making shallow cross-cuts on the calamari tubes, allowing the heat to permeate throughout and ensuring thorough cooking.
Additionally, if you have the luxury of a trusty cast iron skillet, you will elevate your culinary creation to new heights.
This remarkable cooking tool excels in reaching and maintaining high temperatures, guaranteeing a flawlessly cooked serving of calamari within a short span of time, while avoiding any unwelcome rubberiness.
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary culinary expedition that will transport you to the authentic delights of Sicily – a land where food is revered as an art form, and every meal is a joyous celebration.
Are you ready to embark on this sensory adventure that will render you speechless?
Take a bite, savor the flavors, and buon appetito!
Yields and Prep Times
- Serves: 4 people
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Values per Serving of Grilled Breaded Calamari
- Calories: 150-200 kcal
- Proteins: 20-25 g
- Fat: 6-8 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
- Fibra: 6 g
Ingredients
- 4 calamari
- 150 g of breadcrumbs
- 1 lemon
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Cleaning the Squid: Start by separating the squid’s head from the tentacles. Remove the entrails and the central cartilage, then peel the mollusk’s sacs. After this step, rinse thoroughly and let drain in a colander.
- Drying: After draining the squid for a few minutes, pat them dry carefully using absorbent paper.
- Incisions: Make horizontal and shallow incisions only on the upper side of the squid’s sacs. This will help the water inside the body evaporate during cooking without making the inside part of the squid appear boiled.
- Preparing the Breading: Prepare a bowl with extra virgin olive oil and a plate with breadcrumbs seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heating the Grill: Heat a grill until it is hot. If you have a cast iron grill, it is ideal, as it can reach very high temperatures, perfect for cooking the squid which require short cooking times and high temperatures.
- Breading and Cooking: First, pass the tentacles in the bowl with the oil, then in the plate with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Start cooking with the tentacles, as they require more time. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, turning them on all sides for even cooking. Then, place the squid’s sacs on the grill as well. Avoid exceeding 2 minutes per side during cooking. For medium-sized squid, about 10 minutes are absolutely sufficient.
- Seasoning and Serving: As soon as they are cooked, add a pinch of salt, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a few drops of lemon on the grilled squid. Finally, serve the Grilled Breaded Calamari and enjoy.
Wine Pairing
We suggest pairing Grilled Breaded Calamari with a glass of Sciacca Riserva Rayana.
This wine is an excellent choice to accompany this dish.
Sciacca Riserva Rayana is a still wine with a rich golden yellow color, and this combination of colors between the dish and the glass already anticipates a fascinating pairing.
Its intense and persistent aroma harmonizes with the flavors of breaded grilled squid and contributes to highlighting its complexity.
While enjoying the crispy squid, appreciate the full, pleasant, and dry taste of this wine, which pairs beautifully with the delicacy of the mollusks and the crunchiness of the breadcrumbs.
Remember to serve it at a cool temperature, generally between 10°C and 12°C (50°F – 53°F), to fully enhance its characteristics and make every bite an extraordinary experience.
How to Store Grilled Breaded Calamari
- Consume the Grilled Breaded Calamari as soon as possible: They are best when consumed fresh and just cooked. Their flavor and texture are at their best right after preparation.
- Short storage: If you have leftover grilled calamari, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 48 hours. Remember that over time, the crispness of the breadcrumbs may decrease.
- Avoid excessive reheating: Avoid reheating the breaded grilled calamari more than once, as they may become overcooked and lose their texture. If you want to consume them reheated, do so briefly in a preheated oven at a moderate temperature to preserve their crispness.
Your Culinary Adventure with Ricette di Sicilia: Grilled Breaded Calamari
In conclusion, Grilled Breaded Calamari are an authentic culinary pleasure that embodies the simplicity and goodness of Italian cuisine, with an irresistible Sicilian touch.
With the right preparation and attention to detail, you can delight your guests with this delicacy.
Remember to serve them freshly cooked and crispy, accompanied by a glass of Sciacca Riserva Rayana for an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy your meal!
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