This Grilled Garlic Chili Squid recipe is the perfect balance of simple yet vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Tender squid is quickly grilled and then tossed in a fragrant garlic, chili, and parsley mixture. It’s quick, flavorful, and full of protein—an ideal dish for seafood lovers looking for something fresh and satisfying. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon for a touch of zest, and you have a gourmet meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 fresh squid tubes

• 3-4 tablespoons good quality olive oil

• Rock salt, to taste

• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1/2 red chili, finely chopped

• A bunch of parsley, roughly chopped

• Juice from 1/4 of a lemon

Directions

1. Prepare the Squid:

   • Cut lines across the tops of the squid tubes and separate the tentacles.

   • Thoroughly dry the squid with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

2. Grill the Squid:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.

   • Cook the squid for about 2 minutes on each side, ensuring it’s charred but still tender.

   • Remove from the pan and sprinkle with rock salt.

3. Prepare the Garlic-Chili Mixture:

   • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat.

   • Add the garlic, chopped chili, and most of the parsley to the pan. Cook until the garlic becomes slightly golden.

4. Toss and Serve:

   • Return the squid to the pan for 20-30 seconds to stir and coat with the garlic-chili mixture.

   • Squeeze lemon juice over the squid and serve with the remaining parsley for garnish.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal

• Fat: 24g

• Protein: 38g

• Carbohydrates: 11g

Why Choose Grilled Garlic Chili Squid?

What makes Grilled Garlic Chili Squid so appealing is the perfect balance of flavors. The squid itself is light, tender, and naturally sweet, and it’s the ideal canvas for the bold garlic and chili mixture. The garlic adds an aromatic richness, while the chili brings a delightful level of heat that elevates the dish without overpowering the delicate flavor of the squid. A squeeze of lemon at the end adds freshness and a pop of acidity that ties everything together beautifully.

Another reason to love this dish is its speed and simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a gourmet seafood dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer for guests. The high protein content also makes it a satisfying and healthy choice, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, yet nutritious meal.

The Key Ingredients for Grilled Garlic Chili Squid

The beauty of Grilled Garlic Chili Squid lies in the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Let’s break down the key components that make this dish so special:

• Fresh Squid Tubes: Squid is the star of this dish, and fresh squid tubes are ideal for grilling. Their natural sweetness, tender texture, and ability to absorb flavors make them perfect for this recipe. They’re quick to cook, allowing the squid to retain its moisture and tenderness while developing a slight char on the outside.

• Olive Oil: The quality of olive oil is key to achieving a rich, flavorful base. A good extra virgin olive oil is ideal, as it brings its own depth of flavor to the dish while helping to grill the squid perfectly.

• Rock Salt: A light sprinkling of rock salt enhances the squid’s natural flavor without being overpowering. It’s also used to create a balance between the sweetness of the squid and the spiciness of the chili.

• Garlic: Garlic is the heart of the sauce in this dish. It’s finely chopped and sautéed until golden, infusing the oil with its fragrant and savory aroma, which then coats the squid and adds richness to the flavor profile.

• Red Chili: The chili brings just the right amount of heat to the dish. Its sharpness contrasts nicely with the tender squid, and the spiciness can be adjusted based on personal preference. A red chili gives a vibrant, slightly fruity heat that complements the other flavors.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish. Its herbal notes brighten the garlic-chili mixture and provide a nice balance to the richness of the squid.

• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brings acidity and freshness to the dish, enhancing the flavors and adding a refreshing zing to the grilled squid.

How to Grill the Squid to Perfection

Grilling squid might seem intimidating, but it’s a quick and easy process that results in perfectly tender and slightly charred squid every time. Here’s a breakdown of the grilling process:

1. Prepare the Squid: Start by cutting lines across the tops of the squid tubes. This helps the squid cook evenly and allows it to curl up beautifully on the grill or in the skillet. Be sure to thoroughly dry the squid with paper towels before cooking. This step removes excess moisture and ensures the squid cooks with a nice sear.

2. Grill the Squid: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the squid and cook it for about 2 minutes on each side. The squid should develop a nice char on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. It’s important not to overcook the squid, as it can become rubbery. The goal is to achieve that perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior.

3. Finish with a Flavorful Sauce: After grilling, remove the squid from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat. Toss in the finely chopped garlic, red chili, and most of the parsley. Cook the mixture until the garlic turns golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Once done, return the squid to the pan and toss it in the flavorful garlic-chili mixture for about 20-30 seconds, ensuring the squid is coated evenly.

4. Serve and Garnish: After tossing the squid in the garlic-chili mixture, finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a refreshing touch and enhances the natural sweetness of the squid. Garnish with the remaining parsley and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

Grilled Garlic Chili Squid is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to complement this dish:

• Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, arugula, or cucumber can balance the richness of the squid and add an extra layer of freshness. A simple vinaigrette with olive oil, lemon juice, and mustard will work wonderfully.

• Grilled Vegetables: Serve the squid alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. The smoky char from the vegetables pairs beautifully with the garlic-chili squid.

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread can be used to mop up any leftover garlic-chili oil, making it a perfect accompaniment to the squid.

• Rice or Couscous: For a more filling meal, serve the squid over a bed of rice or couscous. The grains will soak up the savory sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.

• White Wine or Light Beer: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light beer like a pilsner or wheat beer. The acidity and crispness of these drinks balance the richness of the squid and complement the flavors.

Conclusion

Grilled Garlic Chili Squid is a simple yet flavorful seafood dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. The quick grilling process and the aromatic garlic-chili sauce create a dish that’s full of flavor, protein-packed, and incredibly satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can prepare a gourmet meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a light meal, or a side dish, Grilled Garlic Chili Squid is sure to impress and become a go-to favorite for seafood lovers.