1½cupplain bread crumbs170 grams, coarse, homemade if possible
2tablespoonsbuttercut up into 8 pieces
lemon wedgesoptional
extra parsley for garnishingoptional
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the prepared calamari with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, and finely chopped parsley. Toss again.
Finally, add the coarse breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss everything together until the calamari are evenly coated.
Transfer the mixed calamari and ingredients to a large baking dish, spreading them evenly and in a single layer.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the calamari mixture in the baking dish. Dot the mixture with the 2 tablespoons of cut-up butter, distributing it evenly.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the calamari is cooked and the breadcrumbs are golden brown—taste for doneness. Avoid overcooking.
OPTIONAL: Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley.
Video
Notes
Proper defrosting and drying: If using frozen calamari, ensure proper defrosting and drying for a crispy coating.
Watch the baking time: Keep a close eye on the calamari while baking. Ovens may vary, and adjusting the baking time ensures the calamari is perfectly cooked without becoming overdone and chewy.
Serve immediately: Baked calamari is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve it immediately to preserve the crispy texture of the coating.
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.