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Let me share my favorite way to prepare grilled squid that brings back memories of seaside restaurants in the Mediterranean. The combination of fresh squid garlic chili and parsley creates something truly magical. It's simple but absolutely luxurious.
What Makes This Special
I love how quickly this dish comes together. In just minutes you can create something that tastes restaurant worthy. Plus it's naturally healthy and packed with protein which makes me feel good about serving it to my family.
Picking Perfect Squid
The secret to amazing grilled squid starts at the fish counter. I always look for squid with clear shiny skin and a fresh ocean smell. If you're not comfortable cleaning it yourself ask your fishmonger to do it they're usually happy to help.
Getting It Ready
After cleaning I pat the squid really dry this is crucial for good grilling. Then I score the bodies in a crosshatch pattern it looks pretty and helps the marinade penetrate. Sometimes I'll cut them into rings but leaving them whole makes such a beautiful presentation.
The Secret to Tenderness
Here's what took me years to learn about squid there's no in between with cooking times. You either want to cook it super quick just 2-3 minutes over high heat or slow braise it. Anything in the middle and you'll end up with rubber bands instead of tender squid.
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Flavors That Shine
I keep the seasoning simple but impactful. Good olive oil lots of fresh garlic some chili flakes and plenty of parsley. Right before serving I always add a squeeze of lemon it brightens everything up perfectly.
Perfect Partners
My favorite way to serve this is with a big Greek salad or some crusty bread to soak up all those amazing juices. Sometimes I'll add roasted sweet potato wedges on the side. The combinations are endless but keep it simple let the squid be the star.
Special Occasion Worthy
Don't save this just for everyday meals. I love serving it when friends come over. There's something about grilled squid that feels fancy but it's so easy to prepare. Everyone always asks for the recipe.
Keeping It Fresh
If you end up with leftovers they'll keep in the fridge for a couple of days. I actually love it cold the next day tossed into a salad. Just remember the texture is best when it's fresh off the grill.
Good For You Too
I feel great serving this to my family knowing it's packed with protein and nutrients. It fits into pretty much any healthy eating plan and keeps you feeling light and energized.
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Squid vs Calamari
People often ask me about the difference between squid and calamari. While they're similar calamari tends to be more tender and costs a bit more. For this recipe either works great just look for smaller ones they're usually more tender.
Different Ways to Cook
While I love grilling squid you can also slow cook it in stews or quickly fry it. Each method brings out different qualities in the squid. The grilling just happens to be my favorite for its smoky char and quick preparation.
Spicing It Up
Sometimes I'll add extra chili flakes when I'm craving heat. The spice works so well with the natural sweetness of the squid. Just adjust to your taste you can always add more but you can't take it away.
What to Drink
A crisp white wine is perfect with this dish. I love a good Sauvignon Blanc or even a light Pinot Grigio. If you're not drinking wine sparkling water with lemon is refreshing and clean.
Taking It Outside
When the weather's nice I love cooking this on the BBQ. The smoky flavor you get from charcoal is incredible. Just make sure your grill is nice and hot before starting.
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Mix Up The Toppings
While I love the classic garlic and parsley sometimes I'll add capers or sun dried tomatoes. A drizzle of aged balsamic can be amazing too. Have fun experimenting with different combinations.
Watch The Time
The biggest mistake I see people make is overcooking. Set a timer if you need to squid cooks so quickly. You want it just opaque and slightly charred no more than that.
Making It A Meal
I often grill vegetables alongside the squid. Zucchini eggplant and bell peppers are perfect companions. They cook quickly too so everything's ready at the same time.
Choosing Your Oil
The olive oil you use makes a big difference. I splurge on good extra virgin olive oil for this dish. Its fruity notes really complement the squid and it makes the best garlicky sauce.
Healthy Choice
This has become my go to when I want something that feels special but still fits my healthy eating goals. No heavy sauces needed just fresh ingredients and simple preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do I need to pat the squid dry?
- Patting the squid dry removes surface moisture, which helps it cook faster and prevents it from becoming chewy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- → Can I cook this on a BBQ grill?
- Yes, you can grill the squid on a BBQ for 2 minutes per side over high heat. Brush with oil before grilling and prepare the garlic-parsley oil separately to drizzle over.
- → How do I know when squid is cooked?
- Squid cooks very quickly and should only take about 2 minutes per side. It should be opaque and slightly firm but not rubbery when done.
- → Why is high heat important?
- High heat is crucial for cooking squid quickly to prevent it from becoming tough and chewy. The pan should be very hot before adding the squid.
- → How fresh should the squid be?
- The squid should be very fresh for the best results. Fresh squid should smell clean and oceanic, with no strong fishy odor.