These Lemon Caper Calamari Steaks have been a favorite of mine since I was a child.
My father used to prepare calamari quite often when I had my yearly summer visits with him. He introduced me to calamari steaks, which were much different than the deep fried little rings and pieces that you’ve probably had as an appetizer. The steaks can be prepared to serve as a main dish.
About Calamari:
Calamari is squid. Did you know that? Yep, calamari is not often to referred to its real name… but it’s actual squid. It’s most often served fried with lemon and seafood or tartar sauce. The arms and tentacles of the squid are edible and cut into rings, and that’s often what is deep fried. The body of the squid can be cut into flat “steaks,” and that is how this recipe is prepared.
Where do you buy calamari steaks?
Check out your market’s seafood department. Often times, calamari steaks are sold alongside shrimp and other seafood. I’ve had good luck finding calamari steaks at Whole Foods Market.
Calamari steaks are featured in the photo above (so you know what to look for).
How to make Lemon Caper Calamari:
The calamari steaks are dredged in a simple mixture of flour, Parmesan cheese and pepper… and then dipped in egg before sautéing in hot oil. The sauce drizzled on top is butter melted with lemon juice and capers. It’s such a simple recipe!
Here are a few more recipes featuring capers that you might like to try:
- Lemon Rice with Capers and Parsley
- Pork Medallions with Olive Caper Sauce
- Sauteed Chicken with Olives, Capers and Roasted Lemons
- Seared Scallops with Brown Butter Caper Sauce
- Cauliflower with Capers
- Marinated Eggplant with Capers and Mint
- Pasta with Garlic Butter Caper Sauce
- Potato Salad with Olives, Tomatoes and Capers
If you happen to be following the Weight Watchers WW plan, you’ll find a link to the WW Points on the recipe card below.
Lemon Caper Calamari Steaks
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 4 whole calamari steaks (1 pound total)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 to 1½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. While the oil heats, stir together the cheese, flour and pepper in a wide shallow bowl, then lightly beat the egg with water in another wide shallow bowl.
- Dredge 1 calamari steak into the flour mixture, shaking off the excess, then dip in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, and transfer to a plate. Dredge another steak in flour and dip in egg in the same manner, then sauté the coated steaks over moderately high heat, turning over once, until golden, about 1½ minutes total. Transfer to a platter and keep warm, loosely covered. Dredge, dip and sauté the remaining 2 steaks in the same manner, transferring to a platter.
- Pour off the fat from the skillet, then add butter, lemon juice (to taste), and capers to the skillet and cook over moderate heat just until the butter melts, about 45 seconds. Pour the lemon caper sauce over the calamari steaks and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious! I squeezed lemon juice a few minutes ahead of time on both sides of the steaks.
(Read that it would increase tenderness. This and cooking each one about a minute and a quarter on each side did present a juice steak). Loved the technique in this recipe! Will use it many times!
First had this great calamari in Soldotna Alaska. Now make it frequently at home. Cut shallow slits in it to make more tender.
Nice recipe. Next time I’ll make more pan sauce. ‘Cause it’s good. :o). Simple and good. Appreciate it.
Delicious. First time trying the steaks. Was a bit leary, but wow! These are great and mild. As for this recipe, it is perfect. Served with roasted veggies in good olive oil,quality balsamic vinegar, dill, thyme, garlic, sage, and rosemary.
First time I have made calamari steak. Wonderful recipe. So east, fast and delicious.