As I tossed this spicy squid dish together, it felt like a sunlit escape to the Mediterranean right from my kitchen, making my taste buds dance with each vibrant and zesty bite!
I adore the bold tastes of this Mallorca Style Calamari. The tender squid rings are generously flavored with smoked paprika, but what really makes this dish pop is the addition of cayenne pepper.
These sweet cherry tomatoes (or any other ripe variety you might have on hand) complete the dish and contrast deliciously with the hot elements. You might be tempted to serve with only the required drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice, but don’t skimp on the garlic or splash of white wine.
This way, the dish will be even more decadent.
Mallorca Style Calamari Recipe Ingredients
- Squid: Rich in protein and low in fat, providing essential amino acids.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, rich in antioxidants like vitamin E.
- Garlic: Offers antibacterial properties and can support immune health.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet flavor with vibrant color.
- Cayenne Pepper: Spicy kick, may boost metabolism and improve circulation.
- Cherry Tomatoes: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, providing a sweet and tangy flavor.
- White Wine: Adds acidity, enhancing flavor complexity in dishes.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors with a fresh, citrusy zesty touch.
- Parsley: Fresh, herbaceous note rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
Mallorca Style Calamari Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pound of fresh or frozen squid, cleaned and cut into rings
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup of dry white wine
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
How to Make this Mallorca Style Calamari Recipe
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. In the skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant; be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, and stir for 30 more seconds.
4. In the skillet, add the rings of squid and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often until they become tender and opaque.
5. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, and cook them for another 2 minutes until they start to soften.
6. Add the dry white wine slowly, and let it simmer for a few minutes until reduced by half.
7. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and mix well.
8. After cooking the squid and slightly thickening the sauce, take the skillet off the heat.
9. Combine by mixing gently the following ingredients and topping the mixture with a fresh element:
1. Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
2. Fresh curly parsley (1/2 cup, chopped)
10. Plate the Calamari a la Mallorquina.
Serve it alongside some lemon wedges for that extra blast of citrus flavor.
Bask in the beauty of this dish.
It is nearly too gorgeous to eat.
And don’t get caught up in fried seafood guilt, for it isn’t nearly as unhealthy as half the stuff you’ll find at a state fair.
Mallorca Style Calamari Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet
2. Measuring spoons
3. Measuring cups
4. Sharp knife
5. Cutting board
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Citrus juicer or reamer (optional)
8. Tongs (optional)
9. Serving plate or platter
FAQ
- Can I use frozen squid instead of fresh squid?Certainly! Using frozen squid is perfectly fine. Just be sure to thaw it properly before you begin cooking.
- What can I substitute for dry white wine?If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute chicken or vegetable broth.
- Is there an alternative to smoked paprika?You can use regular paprika, but it won’t give the same smoky flavor.
- How can I adjust the spice level?Cut back on the cayenne pepper or leave it out completely for a dish with less heat.
- How long should the squid be cooked?Prepare the squid until it appears opaque and is tender, typically in a 2-3 minute duration.
- What should I serve with this dish?Serve Mallorca-Style Calamari with some crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Can I add other seafood to this recipe?Indeed, the addition of shrimp or mussels can further enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
Mallorca Style Calamari Recipe Substitutions and Variations
In place of fresh or frozen squid, you can use shrimp or scallops as a different seafood option. Both pair well with any kind of sauce or seasoning you can think of, while squid tends to be best enjoyed with very simple preparations.
Olive oil: Use either avocado oil or sunflower oil as an alternative.
Smoked paprika: Use regular paprika or chipotle powder if you’d rather have a smoky flavor that’s not from smoked paprika.
Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Fresh parsley: Substitute fresh cilantro or basil for a distinct herbal note.
Pro Tips
1. Pat Dry the Squid: Before cooking, ensure the squid rings are well-patted dry using paper towels. This helps them sear better in the skillet and prevents them from steaming, achieving a more desirable texture.
2. Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It makes a noticeable difference in the dish’s taste, especially since the oil is a key ingredient in this recipe.
3. Mind the Garlic: Garlic can quickly go from fragrant to burnt. Keep a close watch while sautéing to ensure it turns just golden and releases its aroma. This step is crucial for a rich, savory base.
4. Deglaze Adequately: When adding the white wine, scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it and incorporate all the flavor bits into your sauce. This adds depth and richness to the dish.
5. Fresh Herbs and Citrus: Add the parsley and lemon juice right before serving to maintain their fresh flavor and vibrant color. They bring a bright, zesty finish that complements the smokiness of the paprika and the richness of the squid.
Mallorca Style Calamari Recipe
My favorite Mallorca Style Calamari Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet
2. Measuring spoons
3. Measuring cups
4. Sharp knife
5. Cutting board
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Citrus juicer or reamer (optional)
8. Tongs (optional)
9. Serving plate or platter
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh or frozen squid, cleaned and cut into rings
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup of dry white wine
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. In the skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant; be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, and stir for 30 more seconds.
4. In the skillet, add the rings of squid and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often until they become tender and opaque.
5. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, and cook them for another 2 minutes until they start to soften.
6. Add the dry white wine slowly, and let it simmer for a few minutes until reduced by half.
7. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and mix well.
8. After cooking the squid and slightly thickening the sauce, take the skillet off the heat.
9. Combine by mixing gently the following ingredients and topping the mixture with a fresh element:
1. Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
2. Fresh curly parsley (1/2 cup, chopped)
10. Plate the Calamari a la Mallorquina.
Serve it alongside some lemon wedges for that extra blast of citrus flavor.
Bask in the beauty of this dish.
It is nearly too gorgeous to eat.
And don’t get caught up in fried seafood guilt, for it isn’t nearly as unhealthy as half the stuff you’ll find at a state fair.
