How to Microwave Squid at Home: Simple & Detailed Guide

Microwave grilled squid is a convenient and quick method, yet it retains the characteristic delicious flavor of traditional grilled dried squid. Whether it’s dried or fresh squid, you only need to follow a few simple steps to have an attractive dish to treat your family. The article below will guide you in detail on how to grill squid in the microwave at home, along with suggestions for a place to buy delicious dried squid.

1. How to grill dried squid in the microwave

Dried squid is a familiar dish at gatherings with friends or weekend drinking sessions. If you don’t have a charcoal grill or an alcohol burner, you can easily grill dried squid in the microwave.

Ingredients:

• Dried squid (choose squid that is thick, dry, and naturally light pink)
• Beer, sugar, chili sauce, garlic, chili peppers
• Heat-resistant ceramic plate

Here is a detailed guide on how to grill dried squid in the microwave:

• Step 1: Place the squid on a ceramic plate and pour a little beer over it to evenly moisten the entire squid. If the squid is too large, you can separate the head and body for easier grilling. Soaking in beer helps soften the squid and enhance its aroma when grilled.
• Step 2: Turn on the microwave and place the beer-soaked squid inside. Microwave for 1 minute on the regular microwave setting. When the squid curls slightly and emits a fragrant aroma, it is cooked. Do not microwave for too long, as the squid can easily become tough or burnt.
• Step 3: Mince garlic and mix it with chili sauce and 1-2 teaspoons of sugar. Stir well until the dipping sauce is combined.
• Step 4: Once the squid has cooled slightly, wrap it in newspaper or clean paper. Use a mallet or a heavy object to gently pound the squid to make it softer and easier to tear. Tear the squid into small pieces, dip them in the prepared sauce, and enjoy.

2. How to grill fresh squid in the microwave

Grilled fresh squid is a flavorful dish, attractive for its natural sweetness and characteristic chewy texture. When you don’t have a charcoal grill or a specialized oven, you can still grill fresh squid in the microwave. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make this dish as delicious as it is at a restaurant.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh squid (squid, cuttlefish, or baby squid are all fine)
• Garlic, chili peppers, shallots (minced)
• Fresh ginger (crushed, skin on)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon salt, 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• Seasoning powder (1 tablespoon), ground pepper (1/2 tablespoon), fish sauce

Here are the simple steps to grill fresh squid with a microwave:

• Step 1 – Prepare the squid after purchase:
  • Rinse the squid thoroughly under running water and separate the head from the body. Gently remove the ink sac, beak, eyes, and internal organs.
  • Peel off the outer skin of the squid if you want a more attractive presentation.
  • To remove the fishy smell and enhance the aroma, wash the squid with water mixed with white wine and crushed ginger. Then drain and cut into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole, according to your preference.

• Step 2: Prepare a large bowl, add the squid along with the seasonings: minced garlic, shallots, chili peppers, chili powder, pepper, salt, seasoning powder, fish sauce, and cooking oil. Mix well to allow each piece of squid to absorb the marinade. Marinate for about 20-30 minutes. Importantly, reserve the marinade to brush onto the squid while grilling, which helps prevent the squid from drying out and gives it an attractive color.

• Step 3 – Grill squid in the microwave:
  • Line a heat-resistant plate with parchment paper or a thin layer of aluminum foil. Arrange the marinated squid evenly on the plate and place the plate in the microwave.
  • First grilling: Microwave for about 5-7 minutes. Then, remove the squid, flip it over, and brush with the remaining marinade.
  • Second grilling: Continue microwaving for another 5-7 minutes until the squid is golden brown and slightly charred at the edges.

• Step 4: After grilling, let the squid cool slightly before arranging it on a plate. This dish is best enjoyed with fresh herbs, cucumber, lettuce, Vietnamese coriander, and a side of spicy chili sauce.

You can also refer to how to grill dried squid using an air fryer – a quick and convenient method that still retains its delicious flavor, or how to grill dried squid with alcohol simply at home.

3. Some notes when grilling squid in the microwave

To ensure your grilled squid retains its delicious flavor and for safe preparation, please keep the following important notes in mind:

• Do not overcook dried squid, as it will become tough and lose its sweetness. The ideal cooking time is usually around 2-3 minutes, depending on the thickness of the squid and the microwave’s power.
• Use the grill function or the highest power setting to ensure the squid is cooked evenly and tastes better. At the same time, always monitor the squid during grilling to prevent burning.
• When removing the squid from the microwave, wear oven mitts to avoid burns.
• Open the microwave door slowly to allow the hot steam to escape gradually, reducing the risk of steam burns.
• Keep children away from the microwave during and after removing the food.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after cooking to ensure food safety.
• Clean utensils such as knives, cutting boards, plates, etc., before use.
• After grilling, clean the microwave and the squid plate to prevent residual odors or bacterial buildup.
• Grilled squid should be eaten immediately while still hot to fully appreciate its flavor and tender texture.

4. Where to buy delicious, high-quality dried squid?

If you are looking for a reputable place to buy delicious, high-quality dried squid, Ola Squid is a suggestion you shouldn’t miss. Ola Squid specializes in providing squid-based products such as seasoned dried squid slices, whole dried squid, shredded dried squid, etc. Each squid is carefully selected from famous coastal areas like Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, etc.

At Ola Squid, dried squid is processed and preserved according to strict procedures, ensuring it retains its natural sweetness, aroma, and chewiness. It does not contain harmful preservatives and guarantees food safety. In addition to retail sales, Ola Squid also provides wholesale dried squid nationwide and supports nationwide delivery, suitable for restaurants, eateries, or customers buying as gifts.

Through this article, we hope you can easily grill squid in the microwave quickly and conveniently at home. To ensure the most delicious flavor, you should choose to buy high-quality dried or fresh squid. Therefore, please contact Ola Squid for consultation and attractive quotes when ordering authentic dried squid today!