Savor the Flavor of Summer with Grilled Calamari
Imagine indulging in a dish that’s as stunning as the view from a rooftop lounge. Chef Gwen Le Pape’s Grilled Calamari recipe is a masterpiece of flavors and presentation, sure to impress your guests.
A Symphony of Flavors
This mouthwatering dish combines the tender sweetness of squid with the brightness of fresh herbs and the tanginess of citrus. The result is a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Get Ready to Cook
To make this culinary delight, you’ll need:
- 2 lbs. fresh squid
- 1/2 bunch tarragon
- 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley
- Juice and zest of 1/2 a lemon
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp. sherry vinegar
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar, reduced until syrupy consistency
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 edible orchid for garnish
Step-by-Step Perfection
Follow these simple steps to create your own Grilled Calamari masterpiece:
Prep the Squid
Clean the squid, then drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill on ice until ready to use.
Blanch the Herbs
Place the parsley and tarragon in a pot of salted, boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into an ice bath.
Create the Tarragon Emulsion
Blend the blanched herbs, lemon juice and zest, garlic, vinegar, and mustard in a blender until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil and blend until the mixture thickens.
Grill to Perfection
Grill the squid tubes and tentacles over high heat for 1 minute on each side. Drain the juice as you flip the squid.
Assemble and Serve
Hold the cooked squid in place using tongs and slice the tubes into rings. Return the squid rings and tentacles to a clean mixing bowl and toss with the tarragon emulsion. Divide the squid among four plates, drizzle with the balsamic reduction, garnish with an orchid, and serve.
Taste the Magic
With its perfect balance of flavors and stunning presentation, this Grilled Calamari recipe is sure to become a summer favorite. So go ahead, indulge in the taste of sunshine!
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