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Garlic and Lemon Squid

Tender, perfectly charred squid paired with bright citrus and garlic creates a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes. This recipe delivers quick cook time results with minimal ingredients, making it ideal as an appetizer or light main course.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 pounds fresh or thawed squid cleaned and cut into rings and tentacles
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • Zest and juice of 2 lemons
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth

Equipment

  • Large cutting board
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Paper towels
  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Small bowl for mixing marinade
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Rinse your squid under cold water and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Moisture prevents a good sear.
  2. Separate the tentacles from the body tube and set them aside. Slice the body into rings about 1/4 inch thick.
  3. Mince all six cloves of garlic as finely as possible without turning into a paste.
  4. Place a large skillet over high heat and add the olive oil. Wait about 2 minutes until the oil shimmers and moves easily across the pan.
  5. Add all the squid to the hot pan in a single layer. Do not move it for the first 90 seconds to allow a caramelized crust to form.
  6. Stir the squid with tongs and cook for another 1 minute or until the squid is opaque throughout. Avoid overcooking.
  7. Remove the pan from heat briefly. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest to the squid. Residual heat will cook the garlic slightly.
  8. Stir in the lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as squid may vary in saltiness.
  9. Toss in fresh parsley right before serving to keep its bright flavor.

Notes

The key to tender squid is fresh or properly frozen squid, high heat, and cooking for no more than 2 to 3 minutes total. Serve immediately while warm and tender. Perfect with crusty bread, arugula salad, roasted potatoes, or over pasta.