Tender grilled calamari and Persian cucumber is marinated in a spicy vinaigrette and served with a creamy yogurt sauce.
Directions for: Spicy Calamari and Cucumber Salad with Spiced Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
Spicy Calamari and Cucumber Saladcup soy sauce
cup rice wine vinegar
cup honey
2 Tbsp chili paste (such as sambal)
1 tsp minced garlic (about 1 large clove)
1 tsp grated peeled ginger (about 1 2" piece)
Kosher salt, optional
1 lb(s) frozen calamari, tubes and tentacles, thawed
8 oz Persian cucumbers (about 2), sliced into 1/4" rounds
Spiced Yogurt Sauce2 cups Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus whole leaves, for garnish
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp minced garlic (about 1 large clove)
1 tsp ground caraway seeds
1 tsp sumac
tsp smoked paprika
Kosher salt
1 Tbsp black sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions
Spicy Calamari and Cucumber Salad1. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, honey, chili paste, garlic and ginger to a bowl and whisk to combine. Season with salt if needed. Divide the marinade between 2 medium bowls. Add the calamari to one of the bowls and the cucumbers to the other. Stir so that the calamari and cucumbers are fully coated in the marinade. Let marinate at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the calamari from the marinade and pat dry. Grill the calamari in batches until charred and tender, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and slice the tubes into 1/2-inch rings. Add the rings and whole tentacles to the bowl with the cucumbers and toss to combine.
Spiced Yogurt Sauce1. Whisk together the yogurt, chopped cilantro, coriander, garlic, caraway seeds, sumac, paprika and 1 teaspoon salt. The sauce can be made up to 1 day in advance and kept refrigerated.
2. To serve: Spread some of the yogurt sauce onto a shallow dish. Use a spoon to create a well in the center of the sauce so that the sides of the sauce are about 1/2-inch high. Add the marinated cucumbers and grilled calamari into the well. Garnish with cilantro leaves and black sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Tips and Substitutions
Cook's Note
English cucumbers can be substituted for Persian cucumbers in the same amount.
See more: Salad, Yogurt, Main, Seafood, Vegetables