There’s something irresistibly delightful about the crunch of crispy baked calamari that can transform any ordinary meal into a culinary celebration. One rainy evening, with the craving for something exciting yet comforting, I found myself rummaging through the pantry and stumbled across a stash of calamari frozen solid. Little did I know that this squid gem would pave the way for a dish that’s not only easy to whip up but also brimming with bold flavors.
Using simple ingredients like zesty lemon, savory garlic, and a hint of heat from pickled cherry peppers, this recipe infuses freshness with every tender bite. The golden breadcrumbs, kissed with grated Pecorino Romano cheese, offer the perfect crunch that pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends, my crispy baked calamari is sure to impress and, best of all, it doesn’t involve deep-frying! Grab your aprons, and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why is Crispy Baked Calamari a must-try?
Crispy perfection awaits you with this baked calamari, offering a healthier alternative that’s still packed with flavor. Simple preparation combined with minimal cleanup makes it a go-to dish for busy weeknights. Savory spice blend perfectly complements the tender squid, ensuring every bite is a burst of deliciousness. Versatility means it’s ideal as an appetizer or a main course, and it pairs beautifully with marinara sauce or lemon for a bright finish. Home cooks and seafood lovers alike will find joy in creating this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.
Crispy Baked Calamari Ingredients
• Perfect your dish with just the right elements!
For the Calamari
- 2 pounds cleaned calamari rings and tentacles – Choose fresh calamari for the best flavor and texture.
For the Coating
- 1¼ cups plain fine breadcrumbs – Opt for fine crumbs for an even, crispy finish.
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese – Adds a savory, rich flavor that complements the calamari perfectly.
For the Marinade
- Zest and Juice of 1 lemon – Brightens the dish and balances the richness.
- ½ cup finely diced hot or sweet pickled cherry peppers – Select according to your spice preference for an exciting kick.
- 1 Tbsp vinegar cherry pepper brine – Enhances the marinade with an extra tang.
- 6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil – Use quality oil for that distinct Mediterranean flavor.
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley – Adds freshness and a pop of color to your dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated – Fresh garlic brings warmth and depth to the marinade.
- 1 tsp fine salt – Essential to enhance all flavors in the dish.
- ½ tsp black pepper – Adds a bit of heat to your calamari.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – Boosts the garlic flavor throughout.
- ½ tsp onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the taste.
- ½ tsp dried oregano – Infuses a classic Italian herb note into the mix.
- ½ tsp paprika or cayenne pepper – Choose paprika for a smoky flavor, or cayenne for heat!
For Serving (optional)
- Heated Marinara/Tomato Basil Sauce – A perfect dip for an extra layer of flavor.
- Lemon wedges – Squeeze a bit of freshness over the crispy calamari right before serving!
How to Make Crispy Baked Calamari
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Preheat the oven: Place one rack on the bottom rung and another under the broiler. Preheat your oven to 425˚F and line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper, gently rubbing it with oil for a non-stick surface.
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Prepare the calamari: If your calamari is frozen, defrost it completely. Pat the rings and tentacles dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks beautifully.
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Mix the breadcrumb coating: In a small bowl, combine the plain fine breadcrumbs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. This mixture is the key to that irresistible crunch!
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Whisk the marinade: In a large bowl, add the zest and juice of the lemon, diced pickled cherry peppers and brine, olive oil, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and all your spices. Whisk until it looks like a harmonious blend.
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Coat the calamari: Gently fold the calamari into the marinade until it’s well-coated. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes to absorb all those mouthwatering flavors.
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Combine the breadcrumbs: Set aside about ⅓ cup of your breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Then, mix the remaining crumbs with the marinated calamari until every piece is covered evenly.
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Arrange on the sheet pan: Transfer the coated calamari to your prepared sheet pan, making sure they are in a single layer. If needed, use two pans so they don’t overcrowd.
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Top with reserved crumbs: Sprinkle the set-aside breadcrumb mixture over the calamari and drizzle lightly with olive oil for that extra golden finish.
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Roast in the oven: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, checking after 10 minutes. You want your calamari cooked through and tender, with the breadcrumbs turning a beautiful golden brown.
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Broil for extra crispiness: If desired, you can broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes for that perfect crispy topping, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
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Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and carefully transfer the crispy calamari to a serving platter. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and marinara sauce on the side, if desired.
Optional: Garnish with an extra sprinkle of parsley for a fresh touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for Crispy Baked Calamari
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Pat Dry First: Ensuring your calamari is well-dried after defrosting prevents excess moisture, which can make the coating soggy.
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Breadcrumb Consistency: Use fine breadcrumbs for a more even coating that’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven, avoiding any uneven bites.
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Marinade Time: Allow the calamari to sit in the marinade for at least 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, enhancing your crispy baked calamari.
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Oven Temperature Check: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 425˚F. An accurate temperature ensures that your calamari cooks evenly and achieves that desired crispiness.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the calamari in a single layer on the sheet pan. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than crispy baking, so use two pans if necessary!
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Baked Calamari are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the calamari rings and tentacles in the flavorful mixture up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the seafood to soak up all those savory notes for an even richer taste. Once marinated, simply refrigerate the calamari in an airtight container. You can also prepare the breadcrumb and cheese mixture ahead of time to save on prep. When you’re ready to serve, just coat the marinated calamari with the breadcrumbs, arrange them on a sheet pan, and bake as instructed. This way, you achieve restaurant-quality results in no time, making busy weeknights a breeze!
What to Serve with Crispy Baked Calamari?
Elevate your dining experience with perfect pairings that complement the delightful crunch and savory flavors of calamari!
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Creamy Garlic Aioli: This rich, garlicky dip enhances the calamari’s crispy texture, making each bite even more irresistible.
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Zesty Lemon Salad: A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a bright, citrusy touch that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
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Garlic Bread: Toasted, buttery garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for dipping into marinara sauce alongside the calamari.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly, enhancing the dish’s brightness and cutting through richness.
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Spicy Tomato Sauce: A spicy marinara sauce not only adds flavor but also provides a delicious contrast to the crunchy calamari.
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Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables: Colorful, seasoned veggies offer a healthy complement, with their natural sweetness enhancing the calamari’s savory flavors.
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Crispy Potato Wedges: Freshly baked wedges add a delightful crunch that harmonizes with the calamari—perfect for a comforting meal.
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Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus: The salty bite of pancetta and the tender crunch of asparagus create a delightful flavor duo that complements the calamari.
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Fresh Fruit Tart: For dessert, a light fruit tart serves as a sweet and refreshing end to your seafood meal, balancing the savory elements perfectly.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Baked Calamari
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Freezer: If you want to freeze any part of the crispy baked calamari, do so before baking. Once coated, place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat the calamari in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, allowing them to regain their crunch. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy.
Serving: If you’ve frozen the calamari, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Enjoy this delightful dish again with freshly squeezed lemon and marinara sauce!
Crispy Baked Calamari Variations
Feel free to customize your crispy baked calamari with these enticing twists that will awaken your taste buds!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to enjoy this dish without any gluten while keeping that crunchy texture.
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Cheesy Spinach: Add 1 cup of finely chopped fresh spinach and mix it into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor and nutrients. Enjoy every delightful bite!
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Herb-Infused: Swap the parsley for fresh dill or basil to switch up the herbal profile and complement the seafood beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or extra cayenne for those who crave a little heat and excitement in their bites.
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Lemon Garlic Twist: Amplify the garlic and lemon by adding 1 extra clove of minced garlic and an additional tablespoon of lemon juice for a zesty flavor that dances on your palate.
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Pesto Drizzle: Drizzle a homemade or store-bought pesto on top of the baked calamari just before serving for a flavorful Mediterranean flair that will elevate the dish.
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Parmesan Upgrade: Replace the Pecorino Romano with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to add a different dimension of savoriness, providing a new richness in every bite.
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Apple Cider Vinegar: For a tangier marinade, substitute the white vinegar cherry pepper brine with apple cider vinegar, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Crispy Baked Calamari Recipe FAQs
What type of calamari should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Fresh calamari rings and tentacles are your best choice for incredible flavor and tender texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen calamari will work as well. Just be sure to defrost it completely and pat it dry before using, as excess moisture can lead to a soggy coating.
How should I store leftovers of crispy baked calamari?
Very! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to help restore that delightful crunch. Avoid the microwave to keep the texture from becoming chewy!
Can I freeze crispy baked calamari? If so, how?
Absolutely! However, the best time to freeze calamari is before it’s cooked. After coating it with the breadcrumbs and marinade, place the calamari in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed in the recipe.
What should I do if my calamari comes out chewy?
Very! Chewy calamari usually indicates that it was overcooked. When roasting, aim for a cooking time of 15 to 20 minutes at 425°F, checking at the 10-minute mark. If they still feel tough, consider broiling for just 1-2 minutes to achieve the right texture while keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Are there any dietary concerns I should be aware of?
The more the merrier! This recipe includes calamari, which may pose allergy concerns for some, especially shellfish allergies. If you’re cooking for others, you might ask about sensitivities. Additionally, those avoiding dairy should substitute the Pecorino Romano cheese with a dairy-free alternative or simply omit it for a delightful, lighter version of crispy baked calamari.
Crispy Baked Calamari: A Healthier, Flavor-Packed Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven: Place one rack on the bottom rung and another under the broiler. Preheat your oven to 425˚F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper, rubbing it with oil for non-stick.
- Prepare the calamari: If frozen, defrost completely. Pat the rings and tentacles dry with paper towels.
- Mix the breadcrumb coating: In a small bowl, combine the plain fine breadcrumbs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Whisk the marinade: In a large bowl, add lemon zest and juice, diced pickled cherry peppers and brine, olive oil, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and spices. Whisk until well combined.
- Coat the calamari: Fold the calamari into the marinade until coated. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine the breadcrumbs: Set aside about ⅓ cup of your breadcrumb mixture. Mix the remainder with the calamari until completely covered.
- Arrange on the sheet pan: Transfer the coated calamari to your sheet pan in a single layer. Use two pans if needed.
- Top with reserved crumbs: Sprinkle reserved breadcrumb mixture over calamari and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Roast in the oven: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, checking after 10 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden.
- Broil for extra crispiness: Broil for 1 to 2 minutes for a crispy topping, watching closely.
- Serve and enjoy: Transfer the crispy calamari to a serving platter. Serve with lemon wedges and marinara sauce, if desired.