What Makes Calamari a Good Choice for a Diet?
Calamari is low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, making it an excellent addition to any diet plan. A 100g serving of cooked calamari contains only about 149 calories and less than 2g of fat. Additionally, calamari is a great source of lean protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, including zinc, iron, and vitamin B12.
Buying Fresh Calamari
When choosing calamari, opt for fresh, high-quality cuts. Look for firm and translucent flesh, and avoid any signs of discoloration or unpleasant odor. If fresh calamari is not available, you can always opt for frozen calamari rings, which are convenient and still offer great taste and nutritional value.
Simple Calamari Recipes
Now, let’s dive into some easy and diet-friendly calamari recipes that you can prepare at home:
1. Grilled Calamari Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the calamari rings to the marinade. Allow it to marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the calamari rings onto skewers.
- Place the calamari skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque.
- Remove from the grill and serve hot. Enjoy the smoky flavor!
2. Calamari Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh calamari, cleaned and sliced
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the calamari and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until it begins to turn opaque.
- Add the mixed vegetables and continue stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and honey. Pour the mixture over the calamari and vegetables.
- Stir-fry for an additional minute, ensuring everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Remove from heat and serve hot. Pair with steamed brown rice for a wholesome meal.
Enjoy Your Diet-Friendly Calamari!
By incorporating calamari into your diet, you can enjoy a tasty and nutritious seafood option without worrying about straying from your health goals. Whether you prefer grilled skewers or a flavorful stir-fry, these recipes will keep your taste buds satisfied and your diet on track.
Try them out and let us know your favorite way to cook calamari!