Seared Calamari With Basil Recipe

Name: Seared Calamari With Basil
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups packed basil leaves; 1/2 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste; 1 pound cleaned calamari (squid); 1 (15- to 16-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1/2 pound tomatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks; 1 celery rib, chopped; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 1 (3 1/2 - to 5-ounce) package baby greens such as arugula or mache; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; a large (2-burner) griddle (preferably cast-iron)

Servings: persons

2 cups packed basil leaves
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste
1 pound cleaned calamari (squid)
1 (15- to 16-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 pound tomatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 celery rib, chopped
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 (3 1/2 - to 5-ounce) package baby greens such as arugula or mache
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
a large (2-burner) griddle (preferably cast-iron)

1
Blanch basil in a small saucepan of boiling water 15 seconds, then drain in a sieve and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2
Drain basil and squeeze out excess liquid, then puree 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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.

376

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups packed basil leaves, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste, and more.

Yes, Seared Calamari With Basil falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Seared Calamari With Basil

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions