Ingredients:
- 1 lb. (450 g) cleaned calamari, sliced into rings (tentacles included if desired)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Chopped parsley (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Pat the calamari dry with paper towels.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over high heat until very hot. Add olive oil.
- Add the calamari in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring once or twice.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Remove from the heat, stir in lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread, rice, or a salad.
Tips
- Avoid overcooking—2 minutes is usually enough for pan-frying.
- Fresh or properly thawed frozen calamari both work well.
- Drying the calamari before cooking helps it brown instead of steaming.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens the flavor.