Smoky Grilled Calamari Skewers with Zesty Strawberry Salsa
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with Smoky Grilled Calamari Skewers. Tender squid, kissed by the grill's flame, paired with a zesty strawberry salsa and a tangy green crema. Perfect for a quick, elegant BBQ.
Method
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1
Begin by thawing your squid rings completely, then rinse them thoroughly under cold water and pat them meticulously dry with paper towels to ensure a beautiful char on the grill.
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2
In a medium bowl, combine the cleaned squid with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and the juice of one fresh lime. Toss gently to coat and let marinate for 5-10 minutes.
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3
While the squid marinates, prepare the vibrant strawberry salsa: finely dice the thawed strawberries and combine them in a small bowl with a squeeze of lime juice and a tiny pinch of salt. Set aside.
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4
Create your zesty green crema: In a separate small bowl, whisk the Green Curd Chutney with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a splash of water (if needed for desired consistency), and a final squeeze of lime juice until smooth and pourable.
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5
Carefully thread the marinated squid rings onto the wooden skewers, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Aim for 3-4 rings per skewer, leaving a little space for even cooking.
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6
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
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7
Place the squid skewers directly on the hot grill. Cook for just 2-3 minutes per side, watching closely for the squid to turn opaque and develop delicate char marks. Overcooking will make the squid tough.
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8
Arrange the smoky, tender calamari skewers elegantly on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the tangy green crema and serve immediately alongside the refreshing strawberry salsa. Garnish with fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
For the most tender squid, ensure your grill is hot and cook quickly. A brief marination is key, but don't let it sit too long in the lime juice as it can 'cook' the seafood. If you don't have wooden skewers, metal skewers work just as well, or you can grill the squid directly in a grill basket.