Greek Grilled Cuttlefish (Thrapsalo) on the Arteflame

Introduction

Thrapsalo, or Greek grilled cuttlefish, is a simple yet delicious dish that brings out the natural sweetness and tenderness of the seafood. Grilling it on the Arteflame grill with butter, lemon juice, and herbs creates a smoky, succulent flavor with a perfect sear. This recipe will guide you through grilling cuttlefish to perfection using the unique heat zones of the Arteflame grill.

Ingredients

• 2 whole cuttlefish, cleaned
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper napkins and let the wood catch fire.
4. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F.

Step 2: Prepare the cuttlefish

1. Pat the cleaned cuttlefish dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Brush the mixture generously over the cuttlefish.

Step 3: Sear the cuttlefish

1. Place the cuttlefish on the center grill grate and sear for 1-2 minutes per side.
2. Once a nice char develops, move the cuttlefish to the flat cooktop griddle to finish cooking.

Step 4: Finish grilling

1. Cook on the flat griddle for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the cuttlefish is tender.
2. Remove the cuttlefish from the grill when it is 15°F below the final desired temperature.
3. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• Always pat the cuttlefish dry before grilling to achieve the best sear.
• Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
• Move the cuttlefish around the cooktop to find the optimal cooking temperature.

Variations

1. Garlic Herb Thrapsalo: Add fresh basil and thyme to the butter sauce for an herby kick.
2. Spicy Lemon Thrapsalo: Mix in red chili flakes for a little heat.
3. Zesty Mediterranean Thrapsalo: Add capers and a drizzle of white wine for a tangy twist.
4. Smoky Paprika Thrapsalo: Dust the cuttlefish with smoked paprika before grilling.
5. Citrus Infused Thrapsalo: Use orange juice alongside lemon for a sweet citrus touch.

Best Pairings

• Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
• A fresh Greek salad with feta and olives.
• A crisp white wine, such as Assyrtiko.
• Warm pita bread with tzatziki dip.

Conclusion

Greek grilled cuttlefish is an easy and flavorful dish that tastes amazing when cooked properly. By using the Arteflame grill, you achieve the perfect sear, ensuring juicy and tender seafood with a hint of smokiness. Enjoy this dish with your favorite pairings for a Mediterranean feast!