Indulging in a plate of Hot butter calamari is like taking a delicious escape from the ordinary. This dish combines tender calamari with rich, buttery goodness, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for any seafood lover. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a delectable meal, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of butter and seasonings enhances the natural taste of calamari, making every bite a flavor explosion.
- Quick to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Hot butter calamari can be served as an appetizer or a main course, adapting to any occasion.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish looks stunning on the plate, making it a perfect choice for dinner parties.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily tweak the recipe based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making an unforgettable Hot butter calamari. Each component adds its unique touch to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
- Calamari: Fresh or frozen, calamari is the star of the dish, providing a tender and slightly sweet base.
- Butter: Rich and creamy, butter elevates the flavors and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor to the butter sauce.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the dish, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and paprika give the calamari the perfect seasoning for a delicious finish.
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Variations for Hot butter calamari
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize the flavors or ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a kick of heat.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a fragrant touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for breading if you prefer a crispy coating.
- Vegetable Additions: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
- Asian Twist: Incorporate soy sauce and sesame oil for a unique flavor profile.
How to Make Hot butter calamari
Step 1: Prepare the Calamari
Start by cleaning the calamari thoroughly. If using whole calamari, remove the head, tentacles, and innards, then slice the body into rings. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely when cooked.
Step 2: Make the Butter Sauce
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. This will create a rich base for your calamari.
Step 3: Cook the Calamari
Add the calamari rings to the skillet, tossing them gently in the garlic butter. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque and tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain their delicate texture.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the calamari. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste, then give everything a gentle toss to combine.
Pro Tips for Making Hot butter calamari
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh calamari for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on cooking time; calamari cooks quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences before serving.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the calamari right away for the best flavor and texture.
- Experiment: Don’t hesitate to try different spices and herbs to create your own signature version.
How to Serve Hot butter calamari
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness to your Hot butter calamari. You can also add lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad, crusty bread, or even some garlic rice to soak up the delicious butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the calamari in a beautiful shallow bowl or on a rustic platter. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an artistic touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the Hot butter calamari in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked calamari in a sealed container for up to a month. Just remember that freezing may alter the texture slightly.
Reheating
To reheat, place the calamari in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of butter or oil to help restore its moisture without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen calamari?
Yes, frozen calamari works well. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
What can I serve with Hot butter calamari?
This dish pairs nicely with salads, garlic bread, or even over pasta for a heartier meal.
How do I know if the calamari is cooked properly?
Cook calamari until it turns opaque and tender; it usually takes just a few minutes over medium heat.
Is Hot butter calamari suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, just ensure that any breading or side ingredients you use are gluten-free.
Can I make Hot butter calamari in advance?
While it is best served fresh, you can prepare the butter sauce ahead of time and cook the calamari just before serving.
Final Thoughts
Hot butter calamari is a delightful dish that promises to impress your friends and family while satisfying your own cravings. The rich buttery goodness combined with the tender calamari creates an unforgettable experience. So why not try making this dish today? Your taste buds will thank you!
Related Posts
- Creamy Tomato Chickpea and Cauliflower Masala for a Cozy Dinner
- South Carolina Bird Dog Sandwiches: A Southern Classic
- Savory Chorizo, Pumpkin and Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies
Hot butter calamari
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulging in a plate of Hot butter calamari is like taking a delicious escape from the ordinary. This dish combines tender calamari with rich, buttery goodness, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for any seafood lover.
Ingredients
Calamari
- 1 lb fresh or frozen calamari
Butter
- 4 tbsp rich and creamy butter
Garlic
- 3 cloves fresh minced garlic
Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Seasonings
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Calamari
Start by cleaning the calamari thoroughly. If using whole calamari, remove the head, tentacles, and innards, then slice the body into rings. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely when cooked.
- Make the Butter Sauce
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. This will create a rich base for your calamari.
- Cook the Calamari
Add the calamari rings to the skillet, tossing them gently in the garlic butter. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque and tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain their delicate texture.
- Season and Finish
Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the calamari. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste, then give everything a gentle toss to combine.
Notes
- Always use fresh calamari for the best flavor and texture.
- Keep an eye on cooking time; calamari cooks quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences before serving.
- Enjoy the calamari right away for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t hesitate to try different spices and herbs to create your own signature version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg