How to cook calamari on barbecue?

To cook calamari on the barbecue, start by cleaning and drying the squid thoroughly. Marinate it with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs for about 20–30 minutes. Preheat the grill to high heat and cook the calamari for just 1–2 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking—it turns rubbery fast. You can grill whole squid, tubes, or rings directly on the grate or on skewers for easy handling.

What is the secret to tender calamari?

The secret lies in either cooking it very quickly or braising it for a long time —nothing in between. For BBQ, quick cooking is key. Marinate briefly and grill over high heat for 1–2 minutes per side. Also, make sure to pat the squid dry before grilling. Acid in marinades (like lemon juice) should be limited in time to avoid breaking down the texture.

How do you grill calamari rings?

Toss the calamari rings in olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest. Use a grill basket or skewers to prevent them from falling through the grates. Grill over direct high heat for no more than 2 minutes per side. The rings should curl slightly, turn opaque, and get light grill marks. Serve immediately with a dipping sauce or squeeze of fresh lemon.

How to eat grilled calamari?

Grilled calamari is best enjoyed hot off the grill. Serve it with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or sweet chili, alongside salads, grilled vegetables, or rice. You can also slice it and use it in tacos or pasta. Pair it with a light white wine or citrusy iced tea for a complete meal.

BBQ Calamari Recipe: 5 Powerful Grilling Tips

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb fresh calamari (cleaned, tubes and tentacles)
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Rinse and pat dry the cleaned calamari.
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Marinating calamari with a blend of garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for the perfect BBQ flavor.
Add calamari to the bowl and coat evenly with the marinade. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Place calamari on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until slightly charred and cooked through.
Remove from grill and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
Serve hot with your favorite grilled vegetables or a salad.

Notes

Avoid overcooking as calamari can turn rubbery.
For a spicy kick, add red chili flakes to the marinade.
You can use a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill isn’t available.

Author: chef Nada
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Seafood
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 470mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 190mg
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 28g

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