Easy Calamari Steak with Lemon Butter Recipe

Imagine a seafood dish that takes you to a seaside bistro. The view is stunning, but the smell of calamari steaks is even more captivating. Today, we’re diving into this tasty delicacy. I’m excited to share a recipe that will make your taste buds happy.

Key Takeaways

• Calamari steak with lemon butter is a quick and easy seafood entrée that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
• The steaks are tender, firm, and golden brown, served in a light lemon caper sauce.
• This dish is low in fat, high in protein, and packed with nutrients for bone and brain health.
• The seamless 30-minute preparation ensures restaurant-quality results at home.
• The bright, delicate flavors of this calamari steak dish are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Understanding Calamari Steaks and Their Benefits

Calamari steaks are a special seafood treat. They have a unique texture and taste compared to calamari rings. These steaks come from the body of giant squid, offering a meaty and satisfying bite.

What Makes Calamari Steaks Special

Calamari steaks are different from rings in texture and flavor. They are about 4 to 5 ounces and half an inch thick. This makes them a more substantial choice.

Cooking them takes two to three minutes per side. This ensures they stay tender and full of flavor.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Calamari steaks are a lean and healthy choice in Mediterranean cuisine. A three-ounce serving has 13 to 15 grams of protein. They are also low in calories, with about 150 calories per serving.

They have less cholesterol than other seafood dishes. This makes them good for your heart.

Selecting Quality Calamari Steaks

When buying squid steak, look for white, tender, and whole steaks. They should be free of any discoloration or blemishes. For the best quality, choose flash-frozen options at fish markets or in the frozen seafood section of your local grocery store.

Thaw the steaks overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures they are at their best texture and flavor.

Tenderizing the calamari steaks before cooking can improve their taste and texture. Avoid over-flattening them. A thickness of ⅛ to ¼ inch is recommended to keep their integrity.

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools

To make a tasty lemon butter sauce calamari steak dish, you need a few key items and tools. For the calamari steaks, you’ll need:

• 2 calamari steaks, pounded thin
• 1 egg, beaten
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil and butter for cooking
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To create the lemon butter sauce, you’ll need:

• Chicken or vegetable stock
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh lemon juice
• Capers (optional)

You can also add okra, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, or dry jerk spice mix for extra flavor and texture.

You’ll need a large skillet or grill pan for cooking the calamari steaks. You’ll also need shallow bowls for the breading station, a whisk for mixing the sauce, and tongs or a spatula for flipping the steaks.

“Calamari steaks are typically about 4 to 5 ounces in weight and around half an inch thick.”

With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a delicious pescatarian meal with tender and flavorful calamari steak.

Calamari Steak with Lemon Butter: Step-by-Step Guide

Learning to make grilled calamari steak with lemon butter is simple. Just follow this guide to get a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Preparing and Tenderizing the Steaks

Start by drying the calamari steaks with paper towels. Use a meat mallet to make them tender. This helps them cook evenly and become tender.

After tenderizing, bread the steaks. Dip them in flour, then egg, and lastly in seasoned panko breadcrumbs.

Creating the Perfect Lemon Butter Sauce

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it smells good. Then, pour in chicken or vegetable stock, lemon juice, and butter.

Let the sauce simmer, stirring now and then, until it thickens. This will make it just right for your dish.

Cooking Techniques and Timing

• For pan-frying, heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded calamari steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Alternatively, you can grill the calamari steaks. Season them with a jerk spice mix and grill for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat.
• Timing is crucial to avoid a rubbery texture. Total cooking time should not exceed 3-4 minutes for tender, perfectly cooked citrus-infused squid.

Once the steaks are cooked, baste them with the luscious lemon butter sauce. Serve the grilled calamari steak immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright, flavorful dish.

By following these steps, you can create a delightful grilled calamari steak dish with a vibrant citrus-infused squid flavor and a creamy lemon butter sauce. Enjoy this easy-to-make, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

There are many tasty ways to serve your calamari steaks. For a Mediterranean vibe, try them with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. You can also pair them with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, grilled green beans, or tangy tartar sauce. For a pescatarian treat, use vegetable stock in the lemon butter sauce.

For extra flavor, coat the calamari in parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Serve them with sides like a Greek salad, roasted veggies, lemon herb couscous, or garlic-buttered spaghetti. You could also try calamari steak tacos with zesty slaw, creamy avocado, and lime. Or, make a calamari steak salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and briny olives.

When serving your calamari steaks, focus on letting the seafood’s flavor stand out. Use fresh, vibrant ingredients to complement it. Whether you’re into mediterranean cuisine or pescatarian meals, there are endless ways to pair your calamari with the right sides and sauces.

Conclusion

Calamari steaks are a tasty and easy seafood dish to make at home. By learning the right cooking methods, you can make it just like a restaurant. The lemon butter sauce adds a special touch, making it a delicious seafood dish.

Try different ways of cooking and adding flavors to find your favorite calamari steak recipe. It’s a healthy and impressive meal for any occasion. Whether you like it simple or with a twist, calamari steaks are a great choice.

With the right techniques, you can make your home cooking better and enjoy the taste of calamari steaks. It’s a simple yet versatile dish that lets you get creative in the kitchen. Explore new ways to make this tasty dish.

FAQ

What makes calamari steaks special?

Calamari steaks come from the body of giant squid. They offer a unique taste and texture compared to calamari rings. These steaks are firm and tender, perfect for breading and frying or grilling.

What are the nutritional benefits of calamari steaks?

Calamari steaks are low in fat but high in protein. They are great for healthy meals. They also support bone and brain health with their nutrients.

How can I select quality calamari steaks?

Choose white, tender, whole calamari steaks at your local fish market or grocery store. Opt for flash-frozen options for convenience. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

What ingredients and kitchen tools do I need for calamari steak with lemon butter?

You’ll need calamari steaks, egg, flour, panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, butter, and lemon butter sauce ingredients. You’ll also need a large skillet or grill pan, shallow bowls for breading, a whisk, and tongs or a spatula.

How do I prepare and cook the calamari steaks?

First, tenderize the steaks with a meat mallet and pat them dry. Bread the steaks by dipping them in flour, egg, and then panko breadcrumbs. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat and fry the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

For the lemon butter sauce, add stock, lemon juice, butter, and capers to the pan and simmer until thickened. Baste the steaks with the sauce.

What are some serving suggestions and pairings for calamari steak with lemon butter?

Serve the calamari steaks with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. They pair well with sides like mashed sweet potatoes, grilled green beans, or tartar sauce. For a pescatarian meal, use vegetable stock in the sauce.

You can also try adding parmesan cheese to the panko breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Other delicious pairings include Greek salad, roasted vegetables, lemon herb couscous, or garlic-buttered spaghetti.

Source Links

• Crispy Breaded Calamari Steaks – https://www.thedietchefs.com/crispy-breaded-calamari-steaks/
• Grilled Calamari Steak – https://www.foodfidelity.com/grilled-calamari-steak/
• How to Cook Calamari Steaks from Costco – Burpy – https://burpy.com/how-to-cook-calamari-steaks-from-costco/
• If Fried Calamari Is Your Go-To Appetizer, Try It In Steak Form – https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/fried-calamari-appetizer-try-steak-231548185.html
• What Is Calamari and How Do You Use It? – https://www.cozymeal.com/magazine/calamari
• If You Love Calamari As Much As We Do, Try It In Steak Form – https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/love-calamari-much-try-steak-211557414.html
• If Fried Calamari Is Your Go-To Appetizer, Try It In Steak Form – Food Republic – https://www.foodrepublic.com/1702341/what-is-calamari-steak/
• How to Cook tasty Calamari Steak in 20 min | The Bright Food – https://www.thebrightfood.com/how-to-cook-tasty-calamari-steak-in-20-min/
• Calamari Steak Recipe! Ultimate Guide Step-by-Step – https://desirerecipe.com/calamari-steak-recipe/
• Fried Calamari – Poppop Cooks – https://poppopcooks.com/fried-calamari/
• Pan Fried Calamari – https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/pan-fried-calamari/910535683594/
• What to Serve with Calamari Steaks? 10 BEST Side Dishes – https://gustomeadow.com/calamari-steaks-sides/
• 50 Best Side Dishes To Serve With Crispy Fried Calamari – https://sabrinacurrie.com/50-best-side-dishes-to-serve-with-crispy-fried-calamari/
• Easy and Delicious Broiled Halibut Recipe – Perfect Every Time – https://globalseafoods.com/blogs/recipes/broiled-halibut?srsltid=AfmBOooeUcWb2K9CStd7ctPQ7y2lbQh5wfDNGgzc53giMhw1wOLi5XbB
• Discover Argentina’s Famous Green Chimichurri Sauce | The Vinegar Professor – https://www.vinegarprofessor.com/blog/discover-argentinas-famous-green-chimichurri-sauce
• Keto Calamari 🦑 – https://www.castironketo.net/blog/keto-calamari/