Justifiably, Squid is the most widely available and affordable seafood globally. It’s a staple in various cuisines worldwide and commonly served as an appetizer, street food, or bar snack. One of the reasons why squid recipes are so versatile is that there are countless delicious variations to try at home for dinner, lunch, or even snacks. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or willing to invest time in preparation, cooking squid dishes can be adapted to suit your needs.
When it comes to purchasing squid, consumers have the flexibility to buy it portioned or as a whole, making it accessible to people with varying culinary preferences. Furthermore, the diversity of cooking methods available for squid means that you can enjoy it fried, barbecued, braised, or in countless other ways. Our collection of top 14 recipes aims to help you unlock the full potential of this unique seafood and explore new flavors.
Parsley and Garlic Seared Baby Squid
Making a delicious French calamari dish is easier than you think. To achieve that authentic flavor, start by selecting fresh squid as the main ingredient. This will be accompanied by some essential flavors like garlic and parsley. The key to taking this recipe to the next level lies in adding a pinch of fleur de sel to finish it off. Despite being a quick dish to prepare, a few thoughtful additions can make all the difference in terms of flavor.
Serve the calamari on its own or pair it with a fresh salad and some crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
Stuffed Squid Sicilian-Style
Laden with a variety of flavors, you can roast, grill, fry, or braise squid to suit your taste preferences. The Sicilian-style stuffed squid is an exemplary dish that’s effortless to prepare and undoubtedly mouth-watering. In this recipe, whole squids are carefully filled with a bread crumb mixture that incorporates ingredients such as chard, pine nuts, fennel, pecorino cheese, and anchovy, adding a depth of flavors that elevate the dish.
The harmonious blend of these ingredients is what makes the stuffed squids so delectable. I’m confident in saying that I’ve never savored squid with this kind of divine flavor before!
Salt and Pepper Squid
Zeroing in on something new to try? You’re sure to fall in love with the salt and pepper squid recipe – a delightful twist on classic fried calamari. Its exterior is delightfully crunchy, while the inside remains tender, and the flavors of garlic and ginger kick it up a notch. To serve, present it just like you would traditional fried calamari.
Grilled Squid (Calamari)
Not only is grilled squid a delectable dish, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare when you follow this simple recipe. To start, flavour the squid with olive oil and lemon juice, then grill it quickly to your ideal perfection. This classic Mediterranean dish is renowned for its ease of cooking without making a mess. The key to achieving exceptional results lies in exposing the squid to high heat long enough to brown it without overcooking, thus bringing out its natural sweetness.
It’s also worth noting that you can slow cook your squid to achieve the right level of tenderness if you prefer a more relaxed approach. However, anything between these two extremes will likely result in a rubbery texture.
Easy Fried Calamari
Lightening up the appetizer game, I’m excited to share my take on an unbeatable classic: fried calamari. This crowd-pleasing dish is remarkably easy to prepare and its flavor profile is simply divine. Give it a try, and you’ll soon become hooked! The key to achieving a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness lies in the preparation process itself. To start, don’t cut your squid rings too thin – this will help preserve their natural texture and ensure they cook evenly.
Next, give them a good soak in salted milk for about 30 minutes before chilling them in the refrigerator. This step not only adds depth to the flavor but also helps the breading adhere beautifully. To get that signature crispy coating, mix together baking powder, cornstarch, and flour for an unbeatable combination. Simply coat your rings with this mixture and fry until golden brown, then serve hot with a squeeze of citrus and your favorite dips for a truly unforgettable experience.
Spicy stir-fried squid
Making seafood lovers happy is one of the best perks of cooking squid at home, and our spicy stir-fried squid recipe does just that. This mouth-watering dish can be served as a side or main course, making it an excellent option for various meals. The simplicity of this recipe combined with its incredible taste will have you hooked from the first try.
Once you’ve made it once, we’re sure you’ll find yourself wanting to make it again and again, experimenting with different levels of spiciness by adjusting the amount of hot pepper flakes used. For a truly satisfying meal, serve the squid over rice and enjoy the vibrant colors and bold flavors of this Asian-inspired dish.
Spicy Thai Basil Squid
Savvy cooks know that having quick and easy recipes up their sleeve can make all the difference on a busy weeknight. The spicy Thai basil squid recipe is a game-changer, ready to impress in just half an hour. This dish gets its bold flavors from a harmonious blend of aromatics like garlic and shallots, combined with the pungency of Thai chilli peppers, the umami of fish sauce, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the freshness of Thai basil leaves.
To unlock the full potential of this recipe, it’s essential to strike a balance between cooking time and texture. By browning everything in the skillet and then cooking for just the right amount of time, you’ll be rewarded with tender, flavorful squid that’s perfectly balanced by a serving of fluffy white rice.
Simmered squid
Delighting in the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, succulent squid is typically cooked with an assortment of aromatics including tomatoes, red wine, fennel, and rosemary. These herbs play a crucial role in elevating the dish to new heights, infusing it with a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Spanish Calamari Rice
Often, people search for simple yet flavorful side dishes or first courses that can be easily prepared at home. One such recipe worth trying is the Spanish calamari rice, which has the potential to become a family favorite. This squid-based dish is relatively easy to prepare, especially for those who enjoy seafood and have a fondness for Spanish cuisine. The combination of rice and squid provides a delicious seafood flavor that is characteristic of many traditional Spanish dishes.
Serving this calamari recipe as a main course can be a great option if you’re looking for something lighter, and it pairs well with various types of rice, including black rice.
Squid and Potato Stew
Understanding that a versatile repertoire of recipes is essential, this particular dish, the squid and potatoes stew, proves to be no exception. It’s an ideal option for a hearty Spanish lunch, showcasing traditional flavors that are hard to resist. While initially hesitant due to its unorthodox composition, I’ve grown to appreciate its bold taste profile after repeated preparations.
Sri Lankan Style Squid Curry
Zeroing in on a new culinary experience? Look no further than this mouth-watering Sri Lankan-style squid curry! It’s a dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, thanks to the simple yet effective combination of squid cooked in coconut milk and curry powders. With its rich, velvety texture and bold, aromatic flavors, it’s a one-pot seafood meal that needs no accompaniments – simply serve it on its own for a satisfying and filling experience.
Whether you’re a fan of Sri Lankan cuisine or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. And who knows? You might just find yourself falling in love with this spicy cuttlefish dish as much as I have – try it for lunch or dinner and discover its addictive charm!
Salt and Pepper Squid
Often considered a staple in Cantonese cuisine, the salt and pepper squid is a dish that appeals to people of all ages. The tender squids are expertly coated with a well-balanced batter, which is then fried to perfection until it reaches a crunchy golden brown texture. This delightful combination of flavors and textures is further enhanced by the addition of spices and aromatics, making it one of the most enjoyable squid dishes you can have.
Whether served as part of a main meal over steamed rice for lunch or dinner, or offered as a tasty appetizer at a party, the salt and pepper squid is sure to be a hit with your guests.
Calamari Stewed with Tomatoes
Tempting your taste buds with the rich flavors of Southern Italy, Calamari Stewed with Tomatoes recipes are a must-try for seafood lovers. The tender calamari is slow-cooked in a fragrant mixture of tomatoes, red wine, garlic, fennel, and parsley, creating an aromatic dish that will leave you craving more. With its ease of preparation and versatility in seasoning, this recipe can be tailored to suit your taste preferences.
Whether served as a main course or an appetizer, Calamari Stewed with Tomatoes is sure to impress. Paired with crusty bread or accompanied by short pasta shapes like bowties, penne, or fusilli, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
14 Best Squid Recipes
Zestful and delightful, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add some excitement to their baking routine. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of only 10 minutes, you can have a batch of mouth-watering treats ready in no time. This recipe is part of our Recipe Roundup series, featuring the best American-style baked goods. Perfect for parties or special occasions, this recipe serves 5 dozen people, making it ideal for large gatherings or events.
Instructions
Kickstart your air fryer cooking experience by preheating it to approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, prepare three separate stations: a basin for mixing flour and salt, a dish for whisking the egg and milk together, and another shallow bowl for combining breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, and pepper. To coat the calamari, follow this sequence: dust with flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally, roll in the bread crumb mixture.
Arrange the coated calamari in batches on a greased tray within the air-fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Briefly spritz with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Cook for 4 minutes, turn the calamari, and then continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
