Grilled Calamari with Anticucho Sauce

RECIPE

Step 1:  First things first; light your Fire

Set up for success! Light your FOGO Premium Black Bag Lump Charcoal and set up your grill for high direct heat. We used a Weber Kettle and let the charcoal get hot before grilling.

Calamari cooks quickly, so a hot fire is essential for getting good color and char without leaving it on the grill too long, get it ready while you prep your food.

Step 2: Prepare the Calamari

If your calamari hasn't already been cleaned, separate the body from the tentacles. Remove the beak and cartilage from the body, then rinse and pat everything completely dry with paper towels.

For larger calamari bodies, you can leave them whole or cut them into large rings. Keep the tentacles together or separate them into smaller portio

Step 3: Season the Calamari

Place the cleaned calamari in a bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Make sure the calamari is evenly coated.

Step 4: Make the Anticucho Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise or homemade aioli, ají panca paste, lemon juice, parsley, dried oregano, garlic, cumin and salt.

Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. For a little more brightness, add another squeeze of lemon.

Step 5: Grill over High Heat

Place the calamari directly over the hottest part of the grill.

Grill for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the calamari. You are looking for a golden-brown exterior with beautiful grill marks and lightly charred edges.

Don't overcook it! Calamari can become tough and chewy if left on the grill too long.

Step 6:  Serve!

Spread a generous layer of anticucho sauce across your serving plate and arrange the grilled calamari on top.

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of chopped chives.

You can also serve the anticucho sauce on the side as a dipping sauce.

Grab some crusty bread, dig in, and enjoy the combination of smoky calamari, creamy ají panca sauce and bright citrus!