If you’ve got sunshine, fresh seafood, and a hot grill, then you’ve got everything you need for this Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp and Calamari recipe. This dish tastes like summer on a plate, whether you’re gathered around a picnic table or just dreaming of one from your back patio. With a little olive oil, garlic, and lemon, these beauties sing with flavor. And let me tell you, it’s one of the best ways to bring people together for a Mediterranean seafood meal that feels both relaxed and downright special.
Why This Recipe Works
- Shrimp and calamari cook quickly, so they’re perfect for outdoor grilling.
- The marinade brings out the bright, clean flavors of the seafood without overpowering it.
- Using skewers makes cooking and serving easier, especially for group meals.
- This recipe fits right into your collection of easy seafood BBQ ideas.
- You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and toss them on the grill in minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp: Go for large or jumbo, peeled and deveined. The size keeps them juicy and easy to grill without falling apart.
Fresh calamari: Look for cleaned tubes and tentacles. The texture turns beautifully tender with quick high heat. This is a great entry point if you’re looking for fresh calamari recipes that aren’t chewy or bland.
Olive oil: A good drizzle helps everything stay moist on the grill while adding that rich, fruity flavor we love in Mediterranean dishes.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings warmth and depth. Don’t be shy; it really wakes up the seafood.
Lemon juice and zest: The juice tenderizes while the zest adds pure citrus brightness that lingers.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley gives the final touch of freshness and color, plus it just smells like a good summer day.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing everything to life.
Step by Step Instructions
Start by patting the shrimp and calamari dry with paper towels. This helps them take on that delicious char instead of steaming on the grill.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Add the seafood and gently toss until everything is well coated. Let it marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate for up to two hours if you’re planning ahead.
While the seafood is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes so they don’t burn.
Thread the shrimp and calamari onto skewers, alternating for variety. If your calamari tubes are large, slice them into rings so they grill evenly.
Once your grill is hot and ready, place the skewers directly on the grates. Grill for about two to three minutes per side. The shrimp will turn pink and curl, and the calamari will take on light grill marks and become opaque. Don’t overcook or they’ll go rubbery on you.
Remove the skewers and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve with extra lemon wedges for squeezing.
Mistakes to Avoid
When making Mediterranean grilled shrimp and calamari, avoid over-marinating. Seafood is delicate and too much acid can start to cook it before it hits the grill. Thirty minutes is plenty. Also, don’t walk away from the grill. Shrimp and squid both cook in a flash. If you let them go even a minute too long, they’ll turn rubbery. Trust your eyes; as soon as the shrimp are pink and the squid is firm, they’re ready.
Pro Tips
Use two skewers per set so the seafood doesn’t spin around when you flip them. This is especially helpful with calamari rings.
If you’re cooking over charcoal, give the coals a few extra minutes to really heat up. You want that initial blast of heat to sear the seafood quickly and seal in moisture.
Marinate in a glass or stainless steel bowl, not aluminum. The lemon juice reacts with aluminum and gives the seafood a metallic flavor.
Don’t skip the lemon zest. It’s easy to overlook but adds such a fragrant lift that ties everything together.
Feel free to add cherry tomatoes or chunks of bell pepper to the skewers for extra color and sweetness. They grill beautifully alongside the shrimp and squid.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is picnic-perfect and made for al fresco meals. You can serve it with a simple cucumber tomato salad or some warm grilled flatbread. If you’re craving more green, a plate of garlicky sautéed greens makes a great sidekick. I love pairing this with a cold potato salad too, just like the one in this Instant Pot salmon recipe where garlic potatoes shine.
Want to make it part of a bigger outdoor menu? Add a light chicken option like this Thai chicken wrap or something comforting like the cheesy beef and potato casserole that never lasts long on the table.
And if you’ve got roasted green chiles around, they pair wonderfully with the smokiness of this dish, just like in these green chile enchiladas.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp and Calamari
Equipment
- Grill
- Skewers
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 lb fresh calamari cleaned, tubes and tentacles
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juice and zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp and calamari dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
- Add shrimp and calamari to the bowl and toss until well coated. Let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread shrimp and calamari onto skewers, alternating pieces. Slice large calamari tubes into rings if needed.
- Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and calamari is opaque with grill marks. Do not overcook.
- Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my calamari turn rubbery?
Rubbery calamari usually means it was overcooked. Calamari cooks fast, just like shrimp. High heat and short time are the secret. Once it turns firm and opaque, it’s ready to come off the grill.
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw the shrimp and calamari fully and pat them dry before marinating. Frozen seafood can be just as delicious if handled right. Use it within a day or two of thawing for the best flavor and texture.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
You can prep the marinade and seafood in advance, but grilling is best done fresh. The grilled shrimp and calamari are good cold too, so they make a nice addition to a salad or wrap the next day.
What sides go well with grilled seafood like this?
Fresh and simple sides work best. Try lemon rice, grilled vegetables, or a crunchy Greek salad. A drizzle of tzatziki or garlicky aioli wouldn’t hurt either. It’s a great combo with other grilled squid recipes or shrimp and squid recipes in general.
More Than Just Grilled
This recipe isn’t just about tossing seafood on the grill. It’s about creating that laid-back feeling that makes summer cooking feel easy and joyful. Whether you’re serving this for a weekend BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s one of those shrimp and calamari recipes that fits the moment.
And if you’re looking for more tips and variations, the folks at Primal Gourmet shared a terrific version of grilled shrimp and calamari with Whole30 and paleo options too. Their method adds even more flavor ideas worth trying.
What I Love About This
I love how this Mediterranean grilled shrimp and calamari turns simple ingredients into something that feels a little magical. The lemon, the garlic, that char from the grill — it’s all the proof you need that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. And it’s a reminder that seafood on the grill isn’t just delicious, it’s fun, it’s fresh, and it makes everyone feel like they’re part of something special.
So light up that grill, grab your skewers, and let’s get cooking. This Mediterranean grilled shrimp and calamari recipe might just become your new favorite way to savor summer.
