Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp and Calamari
This Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp and Calamari recipe is a fresh, zesty seafood dish featuring garlic, lemon, and olive oil. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for summer grilling or a light, vibrant dinner any time of year.
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
Don’t over-marinade the seafood — 30 minutes is plenty. Grill over high heat and keep an eye out, as both shrimp and calamari cook quickly. Optional additions: cherry tomatoes or bell pepper chunks on skewers for added color and sweetness.