What to Serve with Calamari: 10 Delicious Side Dishes to Elevate Your Seafood Game!

Updated on 
2 May, 2023

What To Serve With Calamari

Are you looking for a delicious and unique side dish to accompany your calamari? Look no further! Calamari is a versatile seafood that pairs well with a variety of flavors and textures. With the right accompaniment, you can create an incredible meal that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Read on to discover some of the best sides to serve with calamari and take your culinary creation to the next level.

These recommended dishes are sure to elevate your meal experience by providing complementary flavors, textures, and colors. Plus, they're easy to put together and don't require any complicated techniques or ingredients.

With these options, you'll be able to craft a meal that will wow your family, friends, or dinner guests - all while showcasing the deliciousness of calamari!

Salads

Who doesn’t love calamari? It’s a classic dish that is sure to please any crowd. But let’s face it, a plate of fried squid can only take you so far.

To really tantalize your taste buds, you need the perfect side dish to go with it. And here at [Insert Restaurant Name], we believe salads are the way to go!

Salads are a great accompaniment to almost any meal, and calamari is no exception. A refreshing green salad tossed with tangy vinaigrette is just the thing to cut through the richness of fried squid.

Or for something truly decadent, why not try a creamy caesar salad topped with grilled shrimp? Either way, you will be sure to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures on your plate.

So don’t settle for just serving up a plate of fried calamari, treat yourself and your guests to something special! And when it comes time to choose what side dish pairs best with your seafood dish, don’t forget salads – they make an excellent addition every time.

From there, you can move onto other options like vegetables and breads...

Vegetables

Salads are a great accompaniment to calamari, providing a light and refreshing contrast to the heavier fried dish. Whether you go for something simple like mixed greens with olive oil and vinegar or something more creative with fruit, nuts, and cheese, salads offer a unique way to enjoy calamari. Consider adding crunchy croutons or some roasted vegetables for an added layer of flavor.

Vegetables make a wonderful side dish as well. This could be as simple as steamed broccoli or carrots, or you could get more creative by roasting Brussels sprouts with garlic and onion. If you’re looking for something different, try sautéed mushrooms with herbs or grilled zucchini slices topped with parmesan cheese. Vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals while also sprucing up your plate in both taste and presentation.

With these two dishes, you’ll have the perfect complement to your calamari meal.

Now let's explore how grains can give it that extra special touch…

Grains

Who doesn't love a good plate of calamari? It's the perfect appetizer for any occasion, from a casual night at home with friends to an upscale dinner party. And it's always great to find that perfect accompaniment to go with it. Grains can be the ideal choice for this.

From quinoa and couscous to farro and barley, grains are incredibly versatile and flavorful options when it comes to pairing with calamari. Here are some ideas:

  • Quinoa: Cooked in vegetable or chicken broth and tossed with fresh parsley, garlic, and lemon juice;
  • Farro: Simmered in vegetable stock or white wine and garnished with chopped herbs such as oregano;
  • Barley: Cooked in beef or chicken broth and served with roasted vegetables like bell peppers or olives.

Grains can be a great way to add texture and flavor to your calamari dish. Plus, they're filling enough to keep your guests satisfied until the main course comes around! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create an unforgettable meal that everyone will enjoy.

Sauces And Dips

Grains are a great accompaniment to calamari because they provide a nutty, earthy flavor and texture. Rice is the traditional grain of choice for calamari dishes, but quinoa is becoming increasingly popular due to its nutritional benefits and versatility. Quinoa can be cooked in many different ways, such as steaming, boiling, or using a rice cooker. It also pairs well with other ingredients and can be used as a side dish or as the main course.

Now let's move on to sauces and dips that work well with calamari. A classic combination is tartar sauce; its creamy texture contrasts nicely with the crispness of the fried squid. If you're looking for something more adventurous, try an Asian-style dip like teriyaki or sweet chili sauce. These provide sweetness and savory flavors that will enhance the taste of your calamari dish. You can also make your own dipping sauce by combining mayonnaise, garlic powder, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.

Breads and starches are another excellent addition to your calamari plate. French fries are a popular choice since they have a nice crunch that complements the seafood perfectly. But don't forget about other options like potato wedges, mashed potatoes, cornbread muffins, or even grilled slices of sourdough bread – all of which will add some extra deliciousness to your meal!

Moving on from here...

Breads And Starches

It is estimated that over 1 billion servings of calamari are consumed yearly. Serving breads and starches with calamari makes for a delicious and filling meal.

Here are some great options to consider:

  1. French fries
  2. Garlic Bread
  3. Rice Pilaf

French fries have long been a popular side dish for fried calamari, as the crunchy texture complements the softness of the squid very well.

For a more flavorful option, try garlic bread - the buttery taste helps to bring out all of the flavors of your calamari dish.

Finally, rice pilaf is always a great accompaniment to any seafood meal, including calamari - it adds an extra layer of comfort and nutrition to your plate.

No matter which option you choose, when served with fried or grilled calamari, these breads and starches can bring out the best in each bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Type Of Oil To Use For Deep-Frying Calamari?

When deep-frying calamari, one of the most important factors to consider is what type of oil to use.
While any high smoke point oil can work, some of the best options are peanut oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.
Each of these oils have a high smoke point and will give your calamari an amazing crunchy texture. Additionally, these oils have a neutral flavor that won't overpower the delicate flavor of the calamari.
So if you're looking for the best type of oil to use for deep-frying calamari, look no further than peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil!

How Do You Tell When The Calamari Is Cooked Through?

When it comes to deep-frying calamari, the golden rule is 'cook until golden'.
You should judge the doneness of your calamari by its color. If they turn light golden brown then they are ready to eat.
But be careful not to overcook them, as this will make them rubbery and tough.
When in doubt, pull one out of the oil and take a peek inside - if it's white all the way through it's done!
Serve with your favorite condiments or accompaniments for an unforgettable meal.

How Many Servings Of Calamari Should I Make For A Dinner Party?

If you're hosting a dinner party and want to serve up some delicious calamari, you may be wondering how many servings to make.
It's important to consider the size of your guests and the other dishes that will be served.
Generally speaking, plan for about 3-4 ounces of cooked calamari per person.
This should be enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.

Can I Freeze Cooked Calamari For Later Use?

When it comes to calamari, you may be wondering if you can freeze cooked calamari for later use. The answer is yes! You can easily freeze cooked calamari and it will retain its flavor and texture even after being frozen.
Imagine a world where you could cook up a large batch of calamari and store it in the freezer for later use. Preparing meals would be so much easier!
Just make sure to let the cooked calamari cool completely before placing it in an air-tight container and then freezing. This way, you'll always have delicious, ready-to-eat calamari on hand when hunger strikes!

What Are Some Creative Ways To Serve Calamari?

Calamari is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be served in a variety of creative ways.
From fried calamari with zesty dipping sauces to grilled calamari tacos, there are plenty of unique and delicious dishes that will have your guests begging for more.
For an extra special touch, try adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs to the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve these delectable dishes as a starter or main course for your next dinner party – you won't regret it!

Conclusion

Calamari is a delicious, versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Whether you choose to fry it up for a crunchy snack or make an elegant entree, it's sure to be a hit at any gathering.

With its tender texture and light flavor, calamari is like a blank canvas just waiting to be painted with your favorite accompaniments. From tangy sauces and tartar mixtures to citrus infused salads and colorful vegetables, there's no limit to the delicious dishes you can create.

For a truly unforgettable experience, serve calamari with love - it'll be the star of the show!

Jennifer
Jennifer is a certified nutritionist and weight loss coach with a Master's in Nutrition from Cambridge. With over 10 years experience, she shares healthy recipes and science-backed slimming tips on SheCooksSheEats to help people reach their wellness goals. Jennifer stays up-to-date by regularly attending conferences and continuing her nutrition education. She aims to provide research-backed advice to inspire balanced, happy living.
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