Description
This Grilled Garlic Squid is marinated in a garlicky olive oil blend, then quickly grilled for a tender, charred finish. Finished with a squeeze of lemon and herbs, it’s light, savory, and perfect for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight seafood dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb fresh squid, cleaned (bodies and tentacles)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes or paprika
For Serving
- Extra lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley or cilantro
- Optional dipping sauce (garlic aioli, soy-lime, or sweet chili sauce)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Squid
- Rinse squid thoroughly. If not already cleaned, remove the beak, skin, and innards.
- Pat dry with paper towels. Leave bodies whole or cut into rings, if desired.
2. Make the Marinade
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, parsley, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
3. Marinate
- Toss squid in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Grill
- Preheat grill or grill pan to high heat.
- Grill squid for 2–3 minutes per side until just cooked and lightly charred. Do not overcook — squid becomes rubbery quickly.
- Tentacles will curl and cook faster.
5. Serve
- Transfer to a platter. Squeeze with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley.
- Serve immediately with dipping sauce and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Avoid Overcooking: Grill squid hot and fast or low and slow — nothing in between
- Flavor Twist: Add soy sauce or sesame oil for an Asian-style marinade
- Make it a Meal: Serve with grilled veggies, crusty bread, or a fresh salad
- No Grill? Use a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan indoors
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Seafood Recipes
- Method: Grilled / Marinated
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 ounces
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0,5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 270 mg