Grilled cuttlefish

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PRESENTATION

Grilled cuttlefish is such a classic along the southern Italian coast. Seriously good stuff! You know, seafood is a big deal there, and simplicity is key. With this recipe, you get tender cuttlefish that's lightly kissed by the grill—so so good. It picks up just a touch of smokiness while letting its natural, slightly sweet flavor shine. The grilled cuttlefish marinade is all about basics. Think good extra virgin olive oil, a splash of lemon, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Simple, right? The goal is to keep the flavors clean and fresh. In places like Sicily or Calabria, folks grill the cuttlefish for just a few minutes. Grilled cuttlefish cooking time is quick. Really, you want it moist, not rubbery, so watch the clock. And the smell of the sea? For sure. Plus, those grill marks bring out summer vibes in any kitchen.

Nothing beats the way fresh datterino tomatoes—diced and mixed with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and caper berries—complement this grilled cuttlefish recipe. This topping provides a sharp, tangy contrast to the soft seafood, and a handful of chopped herbs at the end really brings it all together. I mean, in true Mediterranean style, a drizzle of raw olive oil just before serving lets everything glisten and smell amazing. And here's the thing, the grilled cuttlefish preparation doesn’t require any fancy steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Pretty simple. It’s about achieving that golden color, serving it slightly warm, and letting the dish remind you of beach days and home cooking by the water. Many people compare it to grilled squid or calamari recipes, but cuttlefish? It's got its own thing going on—more tender, with a genuine sea flavor that stands out. Whether you are a fan of grilled seafood recipes or just want something light and fresh, this dish captures what makes Mediterranean food so inviting and easy to love. Honestly, it’s about celebrating the simple, fresh flavors that make coastal Italian cuisine really really special.

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INGREDIENTS
Octopi 1.8 lbs (800 g)
Datterino tomatoes 2.7 cups (400 g)
Caper berries 0.7 oz (20 g)
Garlic 1 clove
Lemon peel to taste
Extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ tbsp (20 g)
Fine salt to taste
Oregano to taste
Thyme to taste
Preparation

How to prepare Grilled cuttlefish

To prepare the grilled cuttlefish start by dicing the datterino tomatoes 1. In a bowl, season them with one crushed clove of garlic 2 together with some fresh oregano leaves and thyme 3.\u00a0<\/p>

Add the extra virgin olive oil 4 and season with salt 5. Slice the caper berries into rounds 6.<\/p>

Add the caper berries to the bowl and set the diced tomatoes aside 7. In another bowl, toss the cuttlefish with the extra virgin olive oil 8 and a pinch of salt 9.<\/p>

Heat a grill until very hot and cook the cuttlefish for 3 minutes on one side 10. Once nicely grilled, flip them and continue cooking for about another 3 minutes 11. Keep them covered and warm 12<\/p>

Assemble the plate by placing the cuttlefish and topping them with the diced tomatoes 13. A touch of freshness with a grating of lemon zest 14 and your grilled cuttlefish are ready to be served 15!<\/p>

Storage

Store in the refrigerator, consume within two days.\u00a0<\/p>

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Tip

For a touch of color and flavor you can add a parsley sauce made with oil, garlic, lemon and chopped fresh parsley.<\/p>

If you purchased whole fresh cuttlefish you can clean them following our guide: How to clean cuttlefish

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.