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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Grilled Sicilian-style calamari with salmoriglio and lemon slices on a ceramic plate

Sicilian Grilled Calamari with Zesty Salmoriglio

Tender, lightly charred calamari dressed in a bright Sicilian salmoriglio — a simple, sun-soaked taste of the Mediterranean.

⏱️
Prep Time
15 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
10 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Moderate
🗓️ Summer
4.9/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 300 g fresh calamari
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • sea salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
270 kcal
Protein
18 g
Fat
17 g
Carbohydrates
6 g
Fiber
1 g
Sodium
650 mg

Grilled calamari is one of Sicily’s purest pleasures — wonderfully simple, naturally light, and bursting with the flavour of the Mediterranean. A brief marinade of olive oil and lemon keeps the flesh tender, while a hot grill brings the perfect smoky char. Paired with a traditional salmoriglio dressing, this classic seaside dish feels just right for a summer supper outdoors or a relaxed lunch in the sunshine.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Clean the calamari, separating the bodies from the tentacles and removing the internal cartilage.

  2. 2

    Make the *salmoriglio* by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, salt and black pepper in a small bowl.

  3. 3

    Submerge the calamari in the marinade, cover, and chill for around 15 minutes.

  4. 4

    Heat the grill rack over a high flame or glowing charcoal.

  5. 5

    Grill the bodies for 5 minutes and the tentacles for 2–3 minutes, turning halfway through.

  6. 6

    Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with a little fresh *salmoriglio*.

  7. 7

    Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a side of grilled vegetables.

💡 Tips and Variations

Add a pinch of oregano or chopped parsley to the salmoriglio for extra Mediterranean aroma. If you don’t have a barbecue, a hot cast-iron griddle pan works beautifully.

📦 Storage

  • Keep grilled calamari in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months, wrapped well and stored in freezer-safe bags.
  • Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10–15 minutes before serving.

🍷 Pairing

Serve with a glass of Contessa Entellina Ansonica (Late Harvest): a soft, aromatic Sicilian white that enhances the delicacy of the fish and the brightness of the dressing.

Proof that simplicity is the soul of Sicilian cooking — these grilled calamari are tender, fragrant and irresistibly Mediterranean. Pour a glass of chilled white wine, sit back, and savour every bite.

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