Grilled Squid Skewers (Calamari Souvlaki) Recipe – Australian Special
Bring Mediterranean flair to your table with these seafood skewers featuring tender squid marinated in a zesty marinade of lemon, garlic, and herbs. When grilled just right, the skewers develop a delicious charred flavor that pairs beautifully with a cool tzatziki sauce. Whether served as an appetizer or a main, this calamari souvlaki recipe delivers vibrant, fresh flavors in every bite.
- 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
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:
Add Squid to Marinade: Place the cleaned squid rings and tentacles in the marinade. Toss to coat the squid evenly.
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:
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:
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
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:
Plate the Skewers: Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate.
Garnish: Serve with lemon wedges, chopped parsley, and tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
Recipe Notes:
Marinade Time: Marinating the squid for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors of lemon, garlic, and oregano to infuse deeply—but avoid marinating too long (over 30 minutes) to prevent the acid from toughening the meat.
Grill Temperature: Grill on medium-high heat to achieve a good sear without overcooking. Squid cooks fast—2-3 minutes per side is usually enough.
Soaking Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading the squid to prevent burning during grilling.
Fresh vs Frozen Squid: Fresh squid gives the best texture, but frozen squid works fine if thoroughly thawed and patted dry—moisture can prevent good charring.
Serving Suggestion: Serve these skewers with lemon wedges, chopped parsley, and tzatziki sauce on the side. A crisp salad or warm pita bread make great accompaniments.
