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Calamari: Fried or Grilled?

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d_kakavouli

d_kakavouli

Active member
Calamari is one of those dishes I’ll almost always order if I see it on a menu, but I’ve realized I go back and forth on how I like it prepared.

Fried calamari is probably the classic way. I love it served with skordalia! When it’s done well, it’s hard to beat. \

I’ve also had grilled calamari that was incredibly tender, lightly charred, and dressed simply with olive oil, lemon, and herbs, and that feels like a completely different experience.

I’m curious - which do you prefer?
 
I’m exactly the same way. If calamari is on the menu, it’s very hard for me to pass it up. For me, it really depends on the setting and my mood.

If I’m somewhere casual or sharing plates, I usually go for fried. When it’s light and crisp (not heavy or greasy), it’s so satisfying, especially with skordalia or just a squeeze of lemon. It’s that classic, comforting version.

But when I’m somewhere that I trust the kitchen a bit more, grilled calamari is hard to beat. When it’s tender and simply dressed with olive oil, lemon, and oregano, it feels cleaner and more “Greek” to me.

If I had to choose, I’d probably lean grilled for the flavor and simplicity, but I’d never say no to a well-made fried plate either.
 
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