Warm Calamari Salad

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Calamari seasoned with 3 kinds of pepper plus jalapeno slices is quickly sauteed and served on arugula and white beans in Chef John's warm calamari salad.

Ingredients

1 pound cleaned calamari (tubes and tentacles)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus a pinch for garnish
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon packed light brown sugar
1 jalapeno chile pepper, seeded and sliced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 cups baby arugula, lightly packed
1 (15 ounce) can cooked white beans, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more for drizzling
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1 Cut calamari tubes into 1/4-inch rings. Cut larger tentacle pieces in half. Place calamari in a bowl. Add oil, red pepper flakes, chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, jalapeno slices, and salt. Mix together thoroughly.
2 Place arugula and beans in separate bowl. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Divide among 4 servings bowls.
3 Heat cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Add calamari to skillet; cook and stir until calamari loses its translucency, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
4 Spoon calamari over arugula and beans. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of pepper flakes.