If you love seafood with a punch of buttery richness and a hint of spice, you are going to adore this Hot Butter Calamari Recipe. This dish brings together tender calamari rings cooked quickly in a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce with just the right amount of heat from red pepper flakes and brightened up with fresh lemon. It’s perfectly balanced, simple to make, and delivers big flavor that’s sure to impress whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course. Let me take you step-by-step through how to create this Mediterranean-inspired delight that feels fancy but comes together in a flash!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Hot Butter Calamari Recipe right relies on fresh, straightforward ingredients that each add a special something to the final dish. From the tender calamari itself to the zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, every component plays a key role in building texture, flavor, or color.
- 1 lb calamari rings (cleaned and patted dry): The star of the dish; drying them well ensures a perfect sear and prevents steaming.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds rich, creamy depth and helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances the butter with a fruity note and raises the cooking temperature to sear the calamari just right.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the butter with a deliciously aromatic kick that’s essential to the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste): Provides just enough heat to wake up the palate without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens and adds acidity that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the seasoning perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Offers fresh color and a subtle herbal note to finish the recipe.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Extra zest and brightness served on the side for any lemon lovers.
How to Make Hot Butter Calamari Recipe
Step 1: Heat Butter and Olive Oil
Start by warming the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want the mixture to be hot and foamy before moving on. The combination helps achieve that perfect golden cook on the calamari while layering richness and a touch of fruitiness.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Once the butter and oil are ready, toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until you can smell that wonderful garlicky fragrance filling your kitchen. The quick cook prevents burning but gets the flavors going strong.
Step 3: Cook the Calamari Rings
Add the calamari rings in a single layer into the skillet. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they get just opaque and develop a slight golden color. This step is crucial — overcooking will make calamari rubbery, so keep a close eye.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. The lemon juice brightens everything up while the parsley adds fresh color and a mild herbal warmth. Give it a quick toss and you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Hot Butter Calamari Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing complements the bold flavors of this Hot Butter Calamari Recipe better than a few extra fresh parsley leaves and lemon wedges. The lemon wedges add a burst of citrus at the table, allowing you or your guests to add brightness as desired. Consider a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan for an unexpected twist that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter.
Side Dishes
This calamari shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that flavorful butter sauce. For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic butter pasta or a crisp green salad for some refreshing crunch. Steamed vegetables or a light rice pilaf also make fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and festive presentation, serve this Hot Butter Calamari Recipe in warm, individual cast-iron skillets or on a beautiful wooden board with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. You could also use it as a topping for bruschetta or toss it into a vibrant Mediterranean-style salad. The possibilities are endless and all delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The calamari will absorb flavors from the butter sauce but be mindful that it may slightly soften as it rests.
Freezing
It’s best to avoid freezing cooked calamari as the texture can suffer and become rubbery when thawed. However, you can freeze cleaned calamari rings raw, then defrost and use fresh when you’re ready to make this Hot Butter Calamari Recipe.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat for just a minute or two to avoid overcooking. Avoid microwave reheating if possible as it tends to toughen calamari. Adding a splash of olive oil or butter to refresh the sauce during reheating helps keep things moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen calamari for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the calamari completely and pat them very dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and sear.
How do I prevent calamari from becoming rubbery?
The key is quick cooking over high heat. Cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until just opaque keeps the calamari tender and juicy without turning chewy.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely. The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can reduce the amount for a milder flavor or add a pinch more if you like it spicy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Hot Butter Calamari Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients, making it an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve hot directly from the skillet with lemon wedges on the side. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the butter or alongside a fresh salad or pasta for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Hot Butter Calamari Recipe enough if you want something quick, flavorful, and impressive. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough for guests, bringing together the magic of garlic butter, a hint of spice, and that perfect tender seafood bite. Give it a go, and I promise it will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Hot Butter Calamari Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hot Butter Calamari is a quick and flavorful Mediterranean seafood dish featuring tender calamari rings sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a hint of spicy red pepper flakes and bright lemon juice. Perfect as an appetizer or a light main course, this recipe combines the richness of butter and olive oil with fresh parsley and lemon for a savory, zesty finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb calamari rings (cleaned and patted dry)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Oil: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and foamy.
- Sauté Garlic and Pepper Flakes: Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Calamari Rings: Add the calamari rings in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn opaque and slightly golden. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
- Season and Toss: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley to evenly coat the calamari with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Serve the hot butter calamari immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.
Notes
- Cook calamari quickly over high heat for the best texture.
- You can also grill or air-fry the calamari and toss it in the hot butter mixture afterward.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or served over pasta.
