Lidia's Steamed Calamari

Delightfully light and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, Lidia's Steamed Calamari is a quick and elegant dish that transforms fresh calamari into a tender, aromatic masterpiece. Sautéed garlic and a splash of white wine create a fragrant base, while lemon slices and a hint of red pepper flakes add brightness and subtle heat. Steamed to perfection in just minutes, the calamari remains tender and soaked in a luscious, herb-infused pan sauce sprinkled with fresh parsley. This low-carb, high-protein recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and makes a stunning appetizer or light main course. Serve with crusty bread to capture every drop of the flavorful juices. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for weeknight dining or impressing guests with its restaurant-quality appeal.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Fresh calamari (cleaned, tubes and tentacles)
• 1 whole Lemon
• 3 whole Garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 0.25 cup White wine
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 whole Bay leaf

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the cleaned calamari tubes and tentacles under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the tubes into 1/2-inch rings, and leave the tentacles whole.

Step 2

Slice the lemon in half. Juice one half and set aside the juice. Slice the other half into thin rounds.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, deep skillet or pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add the garlic slices and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant, being careful not to let them brown.

Step 4

Stir in the white wine, lemon juice, bay leaf, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5

Place the calamari pieces into the skillet, spreading them out evenly. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and lay the lemon slices on top.

Step 6

Cover the skillet or pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Steam for 5-7 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the calamari turns opaque and tender. Do not overcook as calamari can become rubbery.

Step 7

Turn off the heat and discard the bay leaf. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the dish and give it a gentle toss to incorporate.

Step 8

Transfer the steamed calamari to a serving platter, drizzle with any pan juices, and serve immediately. Optional: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful liquid.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(623.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	758.1

Total Fat 34.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1056.9mg	0%
Sodium 2570.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 25.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.8g	0%
Total Sugars 2.1g
Protein 72.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 205.5mg	0%
Iron 3.9mg	0%
Potassium 1364.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.3%

Protein: 41.1%

Carbs: 14.5%