Seared Calamari With Basil Recipes

FRIED CALAMARI WITH BASIL AND LEMON WITH ARRABBIATA

Steps:

• Add calamari rings to a large mixing bowl and cover with milk (use more or less to completely cover the calamari. Peel garlic cloves and gently bash with the side of a knife to open the clove and release some of the juices. Add to the bowl, season with salt and pepper, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Heat approximately 3-inches of vegetable oil to 350 degrees F. in a deep-fryer or heavy bottomed pot. Remove calamari bowl from the refrigerator stir in the basil. Set up 2 large mixing bowls: 1 with a colander sitting in it and the other with seasoned flour. Dump the calamari into the colander and drain the milk. Shake the colander to remove excess liquid then place the strained calamari and basil into the flour. Toss to coat, and then place back into the colander to remove excess flour. Fry (both calamari and basil leaves) in batches until crispy and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the calamari and basil leaves to a tray lined with paper towels to drain, as you cook.
• For the Arrabbiata sauce:
• Set a large skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add chopped garlic, onion and red pepper flakes. Saute until fragrant then add tomatoes and wine. Break up tomatoes with the back of your wooden spoon and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until some of the juice has reduced. When done, give it a final seasoning with salt and pepper, then puree in a blender (or use an immersion blender) until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and sugar and serve with calamari.

PAN-SEARED CALAMARI WITH SPICY MARINARA OVER LINGUINE

Steps:

• Cook linguine according to package directions.
• Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet and a small saucepot. To both, add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add calamari to the skillet and cook 2 minutes. Then to both, add pasta sauce and crushed red pepper flakes and bring to a simmer. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes, until calamari is tender. Reserve tomato sauce in the saucepot for another meal.
• Transfer linguine to a serving platter. Spoon all of the calamari and tomato sauce over linguine. Garnish with basil, if desired.

SEARED CALAMARI WITH BASIL

Steps:

• Blanch basil in a small saucepan of boiling water 15 seconds, then drain in a sieve and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
• Drain basil and squeeze out excess liquid, then purée in a blender with olive oil, water, lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper until dressing is bright green and smooth, about 1 minute.
• Cut each body sac of calamari lengthwise along seam to open into a flat piece; rinse well. Pat calamari dry, then cut body sacs into 1-inch pieces and halve any large tentacles lengthwise.
• Toss beans, tomatoes, celery, and onion with 1/3 cup basil dressing, then gently toss with greens. Season with salt and lemon juice, then divide among 4 plates.
• Heat griddle over high heat until hot. Meanwhile, toss calamari with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Brush griddle with vegetable oil, then cook calamari in 1 layer, stirring occasionally with tongs, until browned in spots and just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Divide calamari among salads; drizzle with some of remaining dressing.