Grilled Squid Skewers (Calamari Souvlaki) Recipe – Australian Special

Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these Grilled Squid Skewers, also known as Calamari Souvlaki. Tender, juicy squid is marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection for a delightful char. These skewers are perfect as an appetizer or main dish, served with a side of tzatziki sauce or a fresh salad. Simple yet delicious, they are sure to impress at your next gathering or family dinner!

  • Prep Time15 min
  • Cook Time30 min
  • Perform Time10 min
  • Total Time55 min

For the Squid Skewers:

  • 1 pound (450g) fresh squid, cleaned and cut into rings and tentacles
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes)

For Serving (optional):

  •  Lemon wedges
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Tzatziki sauce

Prepare the Marinade

1

Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.

Marinate the Squid:

2

Add Squid to Marinade: Place the cleaned squid rings and tentacles in the marinade. Toss to coat the squid evenly.

3

Marinate: Let the squid marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for more flavor.

Assemble the Skewers:

4

Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, ensure they have soaked in water to prevent burning. Thread the marinated squid onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Grill the Squid:

5

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

6

Grill the Skewers: Place the squid skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the squid is opaque and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook, as squid can become tough.

Serve:

7

Plate the Skewers: Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate.

8

Garnish: Serve with lemon wedges, chopped parsley, and tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

Recipe Notes:

Choosing Squid: Fresh squid is best, but frozen squid works too. Just ensure it is properly thawed and cleaned.

Marinade Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs or spices, like smoked paprika or chili flakes, for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions: These skewers pair wonderfully with a Greek salad or pita bread for a complete meal.