Description
This Sautéed Cajun Calamari recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy seafood with a bold, smoky heat. It’s a low-carb and keto-friendly dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or an appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound calamari rings (cleaned and thawed if frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the calamari: If your calamari rings are frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent steaming.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Sauté the calamari: Add the calamari rings to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Season and finish: Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and salt, toss to coat. Add lemon juice, toss again, and remove from heat immediately.
- Serve: Plate the Cajun calamari hot, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve with lemon wedges or over greens.
Notes
- Calamari tubes can be sliced into rings and used as a substitute.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; sauté in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
- Calamari cooks quickly; total cooking time should be 3-4 minutes to avoid rubbery texture.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. Add cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Appetizer
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Cajun / Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximate)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
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