Top 14 Delicious Grilled Squid Recipes You Can’t Miss

Grilled Squid has long been a favorite dish for many, thanks to its delicious flavor, chewy, crispy texture that is hard to resist. However, not everyone knows how to marinate and prepare squid to perfection, ensuring it’s not fishy or too tough. The following article from Ola Squid will reveal 14 delicious grilled squid recipes along with tips for choosing fresh squid, proper preparation, and making dipping sauces!

Nutritional Value of Grilled Squid

Grilled squid is attractive not only for its delicious flavor, chewy and crispy texture but also for being a nutritious and healthy dish. 100g of fresh squid contains about 92 kcal (according to nutritionix), providing 15g of high-quality protein, which helps build and repair muscles, making it very suitable for athletes or those on a diet.

In addition, squid is rich in minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, and selenium, which support red blood cell production, boost the immune system, and improve thyroid function. Especially, squid also contains omega-3 and vitamin B12, which are beneficial for the brain, cardiovascular health, and reducing bad cholesterol in the blood. However, people with a history of gout or high cholesterol should consume squid in moderation to avoid affecting their health.

Tips for Choosing Fresh, Delicious Squid

Choosing fresh squid is crucial for a delicious dish that retains its characteristic crispness and tenderness when cooked. Here are simple yet highly effective tips to help you distinguish and select fresh, delicious squid:

• Observe color and shine: Fresh squid usually has a light purple or brown color and a shiny appearance, with an iridescent skin that is not dull or has strange spots. If the squid turns dark yellow, moldy white, or is slimy, it is likely old.
• Check the squid’s eyes: Fresh squid eyes should be bright, clear, and have distinct black pupils. If the eyes are cloudy, milky white, or sunken, it indicates that the squid is spoiled or has been frozen for too long.
• Touch the squid’s body: When you gently press the body of fresh squid with your hand, you will feel good elasticity; it should not be mushy or have its skin peeling off.
• Smell: Fresh squid has a mild, pleasant sea-like fishy smell, not unpleasant. If you smell a rotten, ammonia-like, or strange odor, it may be old or improperly stored squid.
• Choose a reputable place to buy: Finally, you should buy squid from reputable seafood stores, fresh seafood wholesale markets, or large supermarkets with strict processing and preservation procedures.

How to Prepare Clean Squid Without a Fishy Smell

Squid is a seafood with a characteristic delicious flavor, but if not prepared properly, the dish can easily become fishy and lose its inherent deliciousness. To ensure the squid retains its crispness and sweetness and is free of unpleasant fishy odors after cooking, you can follow these simple steps:

• Step 1 – Separate the head and body: Gently pull the squid’s head away from its body. As you pull, be careful not to break the ink sac, which can blacken the meat and impart a fishy smell.
• Step 2 – Remove internal organs and backbone: Use your fingers or a small knife to remove all remaining internal organs inside the squid’s body. Pull out the transparent quill along the spine. This part is not edible.
• Step 3 – Peel off the thin outer membrane (if necessary): If you want the squid to be white and tender, you can peel off this membrane by hand. Just separate a corner and peel gently; the skin will come off easily.

• Step 4 – Process the tentacles and eyes: Cut off the squid’s eyes and the small ink sac under the tentacles (where the black ink gland is) to avoid bitterness. If using squid beaks, use a knife to remove the hard beak in the center of the tentacles before grilling.
• Step 5 – Wash thoroughly and remove fishy smell: After preparation, wash the squid thoroughly with diluted salt water, vinegar, lime juice, or white wine to completely remove the fishy odor. Then, rinse with clean water and drain.
• Step 6 – Drain before marinating: After washing, drain the squid completely or pat it dry with paper towels. Dry squid will help the marinade penetrate evenly and reduce splattering during grilling.

14 Delicious Grilled Squid Recipes

Grilled squid is a dish that is never missing from family meals or outdoor BBQ parties. By simply changing the marinating method, you can transform the squid into something new and more appealing. Here are 14 delicious grilled squid recipes that everyone will love:

Salt and Chili Grilled Squid

Salt and chili grilled squid is a simple yet appealing dish, perfect for you to show off your culinary skills at home. Fresh squid, after being cleaned, is marinated with a mixture of crushed coarse salt, fresh chili, minced garlic, pepper, and a little cooking oil, allowing the flavors to penetrate for about 30 minutes. When grilled over charcoal, the squid becomes tender, retaining its natural sweetness and the distinctive salty-spicy flavor of salt and chili, creating a fragrant aroma.

Sate Grilled Squid

Sate grilled squid is a must-try dish for those who love rich, spicy flavors. Fresh squid, after preparation, is marinated with sate, ginger, lemongrass, and garlic, creating a fragrant and appealing aroma. When grilled, the sate coating adheres evenly to the squid, turning a beautiful golden-brown color, retaining the natural freshness and sweetness of the squid meat along with a spicy kick that stimulates the taste buds. This dish is often served with cucumber and Vietnamese mint to enhance the flavor and balance the taste.

Grilled Squid Roe

Grilled squid roe is appealing with its natural creamy richness and characteristically firm meat. You can marinate the squid lightly with salt and pepper, sate, or scallion oil and a little cooking oil to allow the flavors to penetrate while preserving the fresh taste. When grilling, pay attention to the cooking time to ensure the roe inside remains soft, creamy, and rich. Enjoying it with Vietnamese mint or salt and chili will make the dish more flavorful and attractive.

Sun-Dried Squid (One-Day Dried) Grilled

Sun-dried squid grilled is a coastal specialty loved by many for its firm texture and characteristic natural sweetness. After being lightly sun-dried, the squid is simply marinated with sate, salt and chili, or fish sauce with garlic and chili to enhance the rich flavor. When grilled over charcoal, a fragrant aroma fills the air, and the squid meat is both chewy and sweet.

Grilled Squid Beaks

Grilled squid beaks are a familiar snack in coastal areas, attracting diners with their chewy, crispy texture and enticing aroma. Simply marinate the squid beaks with shallots, garlic, and sate, then grill evenly over charcoal, and you’ll have a simple yet rich dish that stimulates the taste buds. Enjoying it with green chili salt will enhance the spicy flavor, making the dish unforgettable and more appealing.

Grilled Squid Tentacles

If you want a change of pace for your grilling session, grilled squid tentacles are a novel and appealing suggestion. With their characteristic chewy and crispy texture combined with a gentle aroma, squid tentacles marinated with salt and chili or sate, then thoroughly grilled, will offer a stimulating spicy sensation. This delicious dish will surely make your family’s meal more appealing and unforgettable.

Stuffed Squid with Meat Grilled

Stuffed squid with meat grilled, although a bit more time-consuming to prepare than other grilled dishes, is absolutely worth trying. Squid tubes are generously stuffed with a mixture of minced pork, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, shallots, pepper, and fish sauce, then coated with a marinade on the outside using sate or fish sauce with garlic and chili. When grilled to a golden brown on both sides, the squid remains firm, and the filling inside is rich, soft, and fragrant. Cut into attractive round slices and served with a savory dipping sauce is enough to make everyone exclaim with delight.

Squid Stuffed with Rice Grilled

Squid stuffed with rice grilled is a unique, unusual, yet captivating dish. Squid tubes are stuffed with white rice mixed with shiitake mushrooms and seasonings, then coated with a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili powder, and garlic to enhance the flavor. When grilled to a golden brown, the squid remains tender and chewy, with the rice inside being soft and fragrant, infused with the sauce. This dish is very appetizing and suitable for children if served with a mild teriyaki sauce; it will surely make the whole family love it more with every bite.

Giant Grilled Squid

Giant grilled squid makes an impression at first sight with its huge size and thick, firm meat. To make the dish more flavorful, simply make light scores on the squid’s body and then marinate it with sate, minced garlic, lemongrass, annatto oil, fish sauce, honey, and pepper for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate evenly. When grilling, turn it continuously to ensure the squid is cooked through inside without drying out the outer layer. The natural sweetness of the squid combined with the spicy marinade creates a captivating dish for drinking.

Fermented Tofu Grilled Squid

Fermented tofu grilled squid perfectly combines the rich, savory flavor of fermented tofu with the natural sweetness of fresh squid. After cleaning, the squid is marinated with white fermented tofu, minced garlic, chili powder, chili sauce, a little sugar, and white wine to remove the fishy smell. When grilling, the aromatic scent of fermented tofu spreads, and the marinade coating makes the squid meat rich and savory without being greasy.

Aluminum Foil Grilled Squid

Aluminum foil grilled squid is both simple and preserves the natural flavor of fresh squid. The squid is cut into bite-sized pieces, marinated with onions, bell peppers, pepper, fish sauce, and a little cooking oil, then wrapped tightly in aluminum foil with a few pandan leaves to enhance the aroma. Thanks to this grilling method, the squid retains its moisture, tenderness, and succulence. When the foil is opened, the dish emits an irresistible, enticing aroma.

Lemongrass Grilled Squid Skewers

Lemongrass grilled squid skewers are an appealing dish thanks to the exquisite blend of the natural sweetness of fresh squid and the chewy filling made from ground shrimp paste and minced pork. Add the characteristic aroma of grilled lemongrass, and the dish becomes wonderfully fragrant. An ideal choice for grilling parties or weekend meals to make them more captivating.

Plain Grilled Squid

Plain grilled squid is the choice to fully appreciate the delicate sweetness and characteristic chewy, crispy texture of fresh squid. Simply clean it and grill it directly over hot charcoal to get a fragrant and appealing dish. When dipped in spicy green chili salt, the flavor is enhanced, making you crave more with every bite.

Microwave Grilled Squid

Microwave grilled squid is a suggestion for those who are busy but still want to enjoy a delicious meal quickly. You just need to marinate the squid with ginger, chili powder, and a few simple seasonings, then microwave it to grill. The squid cooks evenly, remains tender and juicy, not dry, and still retains its sweetness and natural flavor.

Delicious Dipping Sauces for Grilled Squid

Even the most delicious grilled squid isn’t complete without a perfect dipping sauce. Here are two incredibly flavorful dipping sauce recipes that you should definitely try when enjoying grilled squid.

Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce

A harmonious combination of the slight tartness of lime, the sweetness and saltiness from sugar and salt, and the characteristic aroma of lemongrass creates an appealing spicy lime dipping sauce. First, shake and squeeze out the juice, removing seeds to avoid bitterness, then dissolve sugar and salt in the lime juice completely. Next, put this mixture into a blender with a little lime zest and chopped chili (seeds removed), blend until smooth. Finally, add thinly sliced lemongrass and mix well to complete.

Green Chili Salt Dipping Sauce

This is a familiar dipping sauce that always adds a highlight to grilled seafood dishes, especially squid. Wash green bird’s eye chilies, remove seeds, chop them, then add sugar and salt and grind until smooth. Then, transfer to a bowl, add lime juice, stir well, and adjust the sourness to your taste. Finally, sprinkle with thinly sliced lime leaves for a characteristic aroma.

Important Notes When Grilling Squid

Here are important tips to help you grill squid to perfection, maintaining its tenderness, aroma, and appeal:

• Prioritize using medium-sized tube or flat squid so the meat isn’t too thick, allowing it to absorb marinade easily and cook quickly when grilled.
• Marinate the squid for at least 15-30 minutes before grilling to allow the flavors to penetrate evenly. You can combine ingredients like lemongrass, chili, garlic, sate, fish sauce, etc., to create flavor.
• To help the marinade penetrate better, you should use a knife to make diagonal cuts or scale patterns on the squid’s body.
• Do not marinate for too long, as the acid in the marinade can make the squid mushy and lose its crispness.
• Grill the squid over medium heat, with red-hot charcoal (if using a charcoal grill), and avoid excessively high heat that chars the outside while the inside remains uncooked.
• Squid is best when just cooked through. Grilling time should only be about 5-7 minutes per side (depending on squid size), flipping evenly to ensure even cooking. If you overcook it, the squid will shrink, dry out, and lose its sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Squid (FAQs)

What is the best way to eat grilled squid?

Grilled squid is already flavorful and aromatic, but when paired correctly with side dishes, the taste will explode even more. Here are a few suggestions for pairing with grilled squid:

• Dipping Sauce: Green chili salt, spicy lime dipping sauce, or mayonnaise are essential choices. They help balance the palate and highlight the sweetness of the squid.
• Fresh Vegetables and Pickles: Eating with Vietnamese mint, lettuce, cucumber, pickles, or shredded green mango will help cut through richness and add freshness to the dish.
• Vermicelli or White Rice: With savory and sweet grilled squid, pairing it with fresh vermicelli or hot rice is an ideal choice for a main meal.

How long does it take for grilled squid to cook?

The grilling time for squid depends on its size and the cooking method (charcoal grill, oven, air fryer, etc.). However, here are some reference times:

• If grilling over charcoal, it takes 5-7 minutes per side, flipping evenly to ensure the squid cooks through without burning.
• Oven: Set the temperature to 180-200°C for about 10-12 minutes. If the squid is large and thick, you can add 2-3 more minutes.
• If using an air fryer, set it to 180°C for 8-10 minutes. Additionally, you should line the basket with parchment paper/aluminum foil and brush with a thin layer of oil to prevent the squid from drying out.

Where to buy fresh squid?

Choosing fresh squid is the first step to making delicious grilled squid. Here are some reputable places you can consider:

• Seafood markets or traditional markets: You should go early in the morning to select squid that has just been caught.
• Supermarkets and clean food stores: Chains like Bach Hóa Xanh, Co.opmart, WinMart often have fresh or frozen squid of good quality that has passed food safety inspections.
• Reputable online seafood stores: Nowadays, there are many businesses that specialize in delivering fresh live seafood to your door and pack it according to standards. You can easily buy fresh squid quickly, saving time instead of going to the market to choose.

Above is a compilation of 14 ways to marinate grilled squid that are rich, delicious, and easy to make, along with suggestions for attractive dipping sauces. We hope that with the information above, the article will help you choose the right recipe for your family’s taste. And don’t forget to visit olasquid.com right away to discover more ways to prepare fresh and dried squid, as well as update many other useful pieces of information!