Grilled Squid Recipe: Grilled squid is one of those dishes that surprises people. It’s not just for fancy seafood restaurants or beachside shacks anymore.
With the right ingredients and a little know-how, you can whip up tender, flavorful grilled squid right at home.
Whether you’re a die-hard seafood lover or just looking to impress dinner guests, this guide will walk you through everything—from shopping to sizzling.
Let’s dive in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need on the counter. The success of this dish lies in the freshness of the ingredients and the balance of flavors in your marinade.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 to 1.5 lbs of fresh squid (cleaned)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or calamansi juice
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Flavor Boosters:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for an Asian twist)
- Fresh parsley or coriander (for garnish)
For Grilling:
- Bamboo or metal skewers
- A hot grill (charcoal or gas)
- Basting brush
- Tongs
Side Suggestions:
- Steamed rice or garlic fried rice
- Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, corn)
- Simple salad with vinaigrette
- Spicy vinegar or soy dipping sauce
You don’t need fancy gear, just good ingredients and a hot grill. Ready to prep? Let’s talk squid.
Choosing the Right Squid
Not all squid is created equal. The type you choose will greatly affect the final taste and texture.
Fresh vs Frozen: Fresh squid is best if available. Look for clear eyes, a mild ocean smell (not fishy), and firm flesh. But don’t stress—frozen squid works well too. Just thaw it properly in the fridge, not on the counter.
Whole vs Cleaned: If you’re new to squid, buying it already cleaned will save you time. Otherwise, get whole squid and we’ll teach you how to clean it next.
Size Matters: Small to medium-sized squid (about 5-8 inches) tend to be tender and perfect for grilling. Larger squid can work too but might be tougher if overcooked.
Where to Buy: Seafood markets, Asian groceries, or online seafood stores are your best bet. Always check for quality and expiration dates if buying packaged.
How to Clean Squid Properly
If you bought whole squid, don’t panic. Cleaning it sounds intimidating but it’s pretty straightforward—and oddly satisfying.
Step-by-Step Cleaning:
- Remove the head: Hold the body and gently pull the head and innards out in one motion.
- Cut the tentacles: Just below the eyes. Discard the beak in the center.
- Pull out the quill: That’s the long, transparent cartilage inside the body.
- Peel the skin: Optional, but makes it look cleaner. Slide your fingers to remove the purplish outer skin.
- Rinse thoroughly: Run under cold water to clean out the tube and tentacles.
Tips:
- Use gloves if you prefer.
- Don’t forget to pat the squid dry before marinating. Wet squid = less flavor.
Now that you have clean squid, let’s move to the most important flavor step: marinating.
The Secret to a Perfect Marinade
If grilled squid was a song, the marinade would be the melody. It’s what turns simple seafood into a crave-worthy bite.
Base Marinade:
- Olive oil for moisture
- Garlic for aroma
- Soy sauce for umami
- Lemon for acidity
Why Marinate?
Squid doesn’t need long to soak up flavor—30 minutes is enough—but it makes a huge difference. It tenderizes slightly and layers in taste, especially when grilled over high heat.
Flavor Profiles You Can Try:
- Mediterranean: Add oregano, rosemary, lemon zest, and a pinch of paprika
- Asian Fusion: Use sesame oil, ginger, and a dash of rice vinegar
- Spicy BBQ: Mix in chili paste or Sriracha and a touch of brown sugar
Don’t Forget Salt!
Salt isn’t just for taste—it helps draw moisture out of the squid and enhances caramelization when grilling.
Step-by-Step Grilled Squid Recipe
Here’s where the magic happens. Get ready to transform that humble squid into a smoky, tender masterpiece.
Step 1: Preparing the Marinade
In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and optional herbs like parsley or oregano. Keep the marinade light—too much acid can toughen squid if left too long.
Step 2: Prepping Squid Before Marinating
Clean the squid by removing the innards, beak, and clear cartilage. Peel off the outer skin if present, then rinse under cold water and pat dry. Leave small squid whole and slice larger ones into flat pieces for even cooking.
Step 3: Marinating Time and Temperature
Place the squid in the marinade and toss gently to coat. Marinate for 15–30 minutes only, and keep it refrigerated. Longer marinating can make squid rubbery, especially with acidic ingredients.
Step 4: Skewering Techniques for Even Cooking
Thread squid bodies lengthwise onto skewers to keep them flat. For tentacles, fold and skewer them securely so they don’t dangle or burn. Skewering prevents curling and ensures even grilling.
Step 5; Preheating and Oiling the Grill
Preheat the grill to high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. A very hot grill is essential for quick cooking and light charring.
Step 6: Grilling: Temperature and Timing
Place the squid directly over the heat. Grill for about 1–2 minutes per side until lightly charred and opaque. Flip once only.
Step 7: How to Tell When Squid Is Done
Squid is done when it turns opaque, firms slightly, and has light grill marks. Overcooking will make it tough.
Step 8: Avoiding Common Grilling Mistakes
Don’t over-marinate, don’t grill on low heat, and don’t overcook. Serve immediately with fresh lemon for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve grilled your squid to perfection, let’s talk about how to serve it in style. Sure, you can eat it straight off the skewer, but a thoughtful presentation—and the right sides—can elevate your grilled squid from simple to spectacular.
Best Side Dishes to Pair With Grilled Squid:
- Garlic Fried Rice: The rich, savory flavor of garlic fried rice pairs beautifully with the smoky squid.
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add color, texture, and nutrition to your plate.
- Chilled Noodle Salad: For a refreshing contrast, serve it with a sesame-dressed cold noodle salad.
- Crusty Bread: Mop up the juices with warm, toasted bread for a Mediterranean-style meal.
- Lemon & Herb Couscous: Light and citrusy, it complements the seafood vibe perfectly.
Dipping Sauces to Elevate the Flavor:
- Spicy Vinegar: Classic Filipino sawsawan—vinegar, chopped red onions, garlic, and chili.
- Aioli or Garlic Mayo: Creamy and tangy—especially good if you like contrast with smoky notes.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: A sweet and spicy hit for Asian-inspired marinades.
- Tzatziki: A Greek twist that’s fresh and cooling.
Plating Tips:
- Slice the squid into bite-sized pieces before serving, or keep it whole for a rustic look.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil or lemon juice before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and a dusting of chili flakes for color.
Presentation is half the experience. Keep it simple, fresh, and colorful.
Nutritional Benefits of Grilled Squid
Besides being absolutely delicious, grilled squid is also a nutritional powerhouse—especially when prepared the right way.
High Protein, Low Fat: Squid is a fantastic source of lean protein. A 3-ounce (85g) serving of grilled squid provides around 15g of protein and less than 2g of fat—making it ideal for low-fat or high-protein diets.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin B12: Supports nerve function and energy metabolism.
- Copper: Essential for producing red blood cells.
- Phosphorus & Selenium: Good for bone health and immune function.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Though not as rich as fatty fish, squid still contains a modest amount of omega-3s—beneficial for heart and brain health.
Low in Calories: Grilled squid, especially when not breaded or deep-fried, is relatively low in calories—about 90 to 100 calories per 3-ounce serving. That makes it a great choice for a light, satisfying meal.
Low-Carb Friendly: For those on keto or low-carb diets, squid is a solid choice with minimal carbohydrates, especially when paired with keto-friendly sides like grilled veggies or salad.
Just remember: moderation is key, especially with sodium-heavy marinades or sauces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most well-intentioned cooks can mess up grilled squid. It’s a quick-cooking ingredient that needs just the right touch. Let’s avoid the pitfalls.
1. Overcooking the Squid
This is the number one issue. Squid gets rubbery fast if left too long on the grill. The trick? High heat and short cooking time—just 2–3 minutes per side.
2. Not Drying the Squid
Wet squid won’t grill well. It steams instead of chars, losing that smoky edge. Pat it bone-dry with paper towels before marinating and again before grilling.
3. Skipping the Marinade
Marinade isn’t optional—it brings the flavor. Skipping it means missing out on depth and complexity. Even 20–30 minutes makes a huge difference.
4. Forgetting to Oil the Grill
Un-oiled grates = stuck squid. Always brush a little oil on your grill before placing the skewers.
5. Using the Wrong Heat Level
Low heat makes squid rubbery because it cooks slowly. Always use medium-high to high heat for a quick sear and tender bite.
6. Not Cleaning the Grill
Old residue from past meals can impart off-flavors. Clean those grates before heating them up!
Avoid these mistakes, and your grilled squid will be restaurant-quality every time.
Alternative Cooking Methods (Bonus)
No grill? No problem. While charcoal or gas grills give that authentic smoky flavor, you can still enjoy grilled-style squid indoors.
1. Pan-Grilled (Cast Iron Skillet)
- Use a heavy cast iron pan or grill pan.
- Heat it until it’s smoking hot.
- Brush squid with oil and cook for 2 minutes per side.
- Press lightly for better contact and char lines.
2. Oven-Baked Squid
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lay marinated squid on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Broil for the last 1–2 minutes to get that grilled finish.
3. Air Fryer Squid
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place squid in a single layer.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Great for a crispy, healthier option.
Each method has its charm, but if you’re craving smoky, tender squid—the grill remains king.
Storage Tips
You’ve cooked a feast—what about leftovers? Here’s how to handle and store your grilled squid properly.
Storing Raw Squid:
- Keep in the coldest part of your fridge.
- Use within 24–48 hours of purchase.
- Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag over a bowl of ice.
- Don’t rinse until just before cooking.
Storing Cooked Squid:
- Let it cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate and consume within 2–3 days.
Reheating Tips:
- Use a hot pan for 1–2 minutes max.
- Microwave is not ideal—it toughens the squid.
- Better to eat leftover squid cold in salads or sandwiches.
Proper storage ensures your squid stays safe and delicious even the next day.
FAQs about Grilled Squid Recipe
Q1: Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before marinating.
Q2: Is it okay to eat the tentacles?
Absolutely. Tentacles are edible, flavorful, and grill up with a nice texture and char. Just clean them well.
Q3: Can kids eat grilled squid?
Yes—grilled squid is protein-rich and nutritious. Just ensure it’s cut into small, chewable pieces and cooked until tender.
Q4: How long does it take to grill squid?
Just 2–3 minutes per side on a hot grill. Overcooking leads to a rubbery texture, so keep an eye on it.
Q5: What wines pair best with grilled squid?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a dry Rosé works wonderfully. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon.
Conclusion
Grilled squid is more than just seafood—it’s a celebration of smoky, tender, savory flavor that you can create right in your backyard or kitchen. With the right squid, a flavorful marinade, and a hot grill, you’re well on your way to impressing your friends, family—or just treating yourself.
So, fire up the grill and make this seafood magic happen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices, sauces, and sides. The beauty of grilled squid is in its simplicity and its flexibility. Once you master this recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your cooking arsenal.
Now go grill like a pro. Your taste buds will thank you.
