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
Scale
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.
