Sautéed Cajun Calamari

Tender calamari sautéed in a flavorful Cajun butter sauce, perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 10 minutes for a fast and flavorful meal.
• Bursting with bold Cajun spices.
• Perfect as an appetizer, light dinner, or part of a seafood spread.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cleaned calamari (rings and tentacles)
• Unsalted butter
• Minced garlic
• Hot sauce
• Cajun seasoning
• Lemon juice
• Avocado oil (or another high-heat oil)

Directions

1. Prepare the Calamari: Rinse and pat dry. Cut tubes into rings and tentacles in half. Season lightly with salt.
2. Make the Sauce: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Cook the Calamari: Heat avocado oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Sear calamari in batches for about 2 minutes per side until tender. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Combine: Drizzle the Cajun butter sauce over the calamari and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add sliced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and texture.
• Substitute the Cajun seasoning with Old Bay or a Mediterranean spice blend for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat quickly in a hot skillet to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen calamari?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

2. How do I prevent the calamari from turning rubbery?

Cook quickly over high heat for no more than 2–3 minutes.

3. Can I grill the calamari instead?

Yes, marinate the calamari in the Cajun butter sauce and grill for 1–2 minutes per side.

4. Can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

5. Can I use olive oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes, but use a high-quality oil to complement the flavors.

6. What can I serve with this?

Serve with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad.

7. Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute butter with vegan butter or additional oil.

8. Can I use squid ink calamari?

Yes, it will add a unique flavor and visual appeal.

9. What’s the best way to clean fresh calamari?

Rinse under cold water, remove the beak, quill, and outer membrane.

10. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, make the sauce and store it in the fridge. Reheat before tossing with the calamari.

Conclusion

Sautéed Cajun calamari is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. With its bold spices and tender texture, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal.

Sautéed Cajun Calamari

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

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Description

Tender and flavorful Sauteed Cajun Calamari tossed in a rich butter sauce with a hint of spice. A quick and easy seafood dish perfect as an appetizer or main course. #calamari #cajunrecipes #seafood

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound calamari (cleaned, tubes and tentacles)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (like Frank’s or your favorite)
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high-heat oil
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

• 1. Prepare the Calamari:
     • Rinse the calamari thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Slice the tubes into ½-inch rings, leaving the tentacles whole. Lightly season with salt.
  2. Make the Cajun Butter Sauce:
     • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice. Set aside.
  3. Sauté the Calamari:
     • Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the calamari in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 2 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the calamari is opaque and lightly browned. Avoid overcooking, as calamari can become rubbery.
  4. Combine and Serve:
     • Drizzle the Cajun butter sauce over the sautéed calamari and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.

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Notes

• • Overcooking Warning: Calamari cooks quickly. Keep the cooking time short to ensure it stays tender.
  • Spice Adjustment: Add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne for a spicier dish, or reduce it for a milder flavor.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice, alongside crusty bread, or on a bed of arugula for a light meal.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.