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Lemon Garlic Calamari with Aioli Recipe

Lemon Garlic Calamari with Aioli Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Lemon Garlic Calamari served with a zesty homemade aioli dipping sauce. Tender calamari rings and tentacles are lightly coated in seasoned flour, sautéed to golden perfection, and finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Calamari

  • 1 lb (450 g) calamari rings and tentacles
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Aioli

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aioli. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and refrigerate the aioli until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.
  2. Prepare the Calamari. Pat the calamari rings and tentacles dry with paper towels. In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge the calamari in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping during cooking.
  3. Cook the Calamari. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the coated calamari in a single layer and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the calamari turns golden brown and is cooked through. Take care not to overcook, as calamari can become rubbery. Once cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the calamari to enhance flavor.
  4. Serve. Transfer the cooked calamari to a serving plate. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish. Serve immediately with the chilled lemon garlic aioli on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Ensure calamari is dry before dredging to help the coating stick better.
  • Cooking calamari quickly on high heat prevents it from becoming rubbery.
  • Adjust seasoning in the aioli to taste; more garlic or lemon juice can be added if desired.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor of calamari.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic calamari, calamari recipe, fried calamari, seafood appetizer, aioli dipping sauce, Mediterranean seafood

Find it online: https://maicook.com/lemon-garlic-calamari-with-aioli-recipe/