Instant Pot Calamari is the best recipe for dinner! It's colorful, tasty, and takes only 25 minutes total.
This dish brings together tender calamari, a rich tomato-based broth, and bold spices like curry and red pepper flakes.
The Instant Pot makes the process effortless, ensuring perfectly cooked seafood every time. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Fast & Easy – Just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking make this a perfect weeknight meal.
Bold, Balanced Flavors – The warmth of curry, the kick of red pepper, and the tanginess of tomatoes create an irresistible combination.
Perfectly Tender Calamari – The Instant Pot ensures the calamari stays soft and juicy without becoming rubbery.
Ingredients
Calamari – Fresh is best, but frozen (thawed) works too. Clean it well before cooking.
Curry Powder – Adds warmth and complexity; substitute with smoked paprika or cumin for a different spin.
Red Pepper Flakes – Adjust to taste for the perfect level of heat.
Diced Tomatoes – Canned tomatoes bring richness, but fresh can be used with a bit more liquid.
Chicken Broth – Deepens the flavor; swap for seafood or vegetable broth if preferred.
Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish and balances the flavors. Lime juice works too!
Tips
Sauté calamari briefly – Overcooking can make it tough, so stick to 4 minutes.
Taste before serving – Adjust salt and lemon juice at the end to perfect the balance.
How to serve
Some ideas for side dishes:
More Seafood Recipes
Instant Pot Calamari with Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ lb fresh calamari clean
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Press "saute" and add oil.
- Add the garlic, curry powder and red pepper flakes and saute for 1 minute.
- Add calamari and saute for 4 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, lemon juice and salt and pepper and stir well.
- Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- When cooking time is complete, do a quick pressure release.
- Serve and enjoy 🙂
Nutrition
Notes
- Sauté calamari briefly – Overcooking can make it tough, so stick to 4 minutes.
- Taste before serving – Adjust salt and lemon juice at the end to perfect the balance.
Love this recipe! When fresh calamari isn't available, can you make it with frozen calamari?