Pesto Calamari
Tender calamari rings quickly sautéed and tossed with vibrant pesto, finished with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon. A fast, flavorful weeknight dinner.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 30g
Ingredients
- 1 lb calamari rings
- ½ cup pesto
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 whole lemon
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Pat the 1 lb calamari rings dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- 2
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Add the calamari in a single layer and cook without stirring for 2 minutes, until lightly golden on the bottom.
- 4
Stir and cook for 1-2 more minutes, until the calamari is just opaque and tender; do not overcook or it will become rubbery.
- 5
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup pesto until the calamari is evenly coated.
- 6
Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the top and garnish with 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves before serving.
Tools you’ll need
- Large skillet
- Paper towels
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer (optional)
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