Grill Like a Pro: BBQ Squid Recipes and Techniques

BBQ squid is a delicious and easy-to-prepare seafood dish that is perfect for summer barbecues. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for something different to grill, BBQ squid is a great choice. Grilled squid is a classic Mediterranean dish that is popular all over the world, and it's easy to see why. The combination of tender, juicy squid and smoky, charred flavour is simply irresistible.

Preparing your squid for the grill is easy. Start by cleaning the squid and removing the head, tentacles, and innards. Then, score the body of the squid with a sharp knife to help it cook evenly and absorb more flavour. You can marinate the squid in your favourite seasoning or simply brush it with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice before grilling.

Grilling squid can be a bit tricky, but with the right technique and a few tips, you can get perfect results every time. Make sure your grill is hot and well-oiled before adding the squid, and cook it quickly over high heat to prevent it from becoming tough and rubbery. Serve your BBQ squid with a side of salad or grilled vegetables for a light and delicious summer meal.

Key Takeaways

• BBQ squid is a delicious and easy-to-prepare seafood dish that is perfect for summer barbecues.
• Preparing your squid for the grill is easy, and grilling it quickly over high heat is the key to getting tender, juicy results.
• Serve your BBQ squid with a side of salad or grilled vegetables for a light and delicious summer meal.

Preparing Your Squid

Before you start grilling your squid, you need to make sure it's properly cleaned and prepared. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Selecting the Best Squid

When it comes to choosing your squid, it's best to go for fresh squid if possible. However, if fresh squid isn't available, frozen squid will do just fine. Look for squid that has a firm texture and a fresh smell. Avoid squid that has a slimy texture or a fishy smell.

Cleaning and Preparing Squid

To clean your squid, start by removing the head, tentacles, and beak from the body. Then, rinse the squid under cold water to remove any residual salt or sand. Once your squid is clean, you need to dry it thoroughly with paper towels.

Marinating the Squid

Marinating your squid is an essential step in preparing it for the grill. To make a simple marinade, mix together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can also add some herbs like parsley, mint, or coriander, or a bit of chilli for some extra flavour. Place the squid in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

Before grilling your squid, make sure to season it with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and some more salt and pepper. Serve your grilled squid with some lemon wedges or lime for a refreshing touch.

Grilling Techniques and Tips

Setting Up Your Grill

Before you start grilling your squid, make sure your grill is preheated to high heat. If you are using a charcoal grill, light the coals and wait until they are hot and glowing. If you are using a gas grill, turn it on and let it heat up for at least 10 minutes.

Achieving the Perfect Grill Marks

To achieve the perfect grill marks on your squid, make sure your grill or grill pan is hot enough. If the heat is too low, your squid will become rubbery and chewy. If the heat is too high, your squid will curl up and become overcooked.

Once your grill is hot, brush your squid with olive oil and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the squid on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until it has grill marks and is cooked through.

Serving and Presentation

When serving your grilled squid, you can serve it as a main dish or as a side dish with a dipping sauce or dressing. A Greek salad is a great accompaniment to grilled squid. You can also serve it with rice for a more filling meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Grilled squid is a great source of protein and is low in calories, making it a healthy choice for your next barbecue.

Spicy Grilled Squid

If you want to add some extra flavour to your grilled squid, you can make a spicy marinade using chilli flakes, garlic, and olive oil. Marinate the squid for at least 30 minutes before grilling to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a good recipe for grilling squid?

Grilled squid is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. One simple recipe involves marinating squid in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before grilling it over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Another popular recipe involves seasoning squid with salt, pepper, and paprika before grilling it over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

Can you suggest a marinade for BBQ squid?

A simple marinade for BBQ squid can be made by combining olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a bowl. Allow the squid to marinate in this mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling it over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

How long does squid take to cook on a BBQ?

Squid cooks quickly on a BBQ and should only take 2-3 minutes per side to cook. It's important not to overcook the squid as this can cause it to become tough and rubbery.

What's the best way to ensure squid isn't rubbery when grilled?

To ensure that your grilled squid isn't rubbery, it's important not to overcook it. Squid should only be grilled for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat. Additionally, you can tenderize the squid by scoring it with a knife before grilling it.

Could you recommend a sauce to complement BBQ squid?

A simple dipping sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil can complement the smoky flavour of BBQ squid. Alternatively, a spicy chilli sauce or a creamy garlic sauce can also be used to add flavour to grilled squid.

What are some tips for grilling squid Japanese style?

To grill squid Japanese style, it's important to score the squid before grilling it to ensure it cooks evenly. Additionally, you can brush the squid with a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sake before grilling it to add flavour. Finally, serve the grilled squid with a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi, a Japanese spice blend made with chilli pepper, orange peel, and sesame seeds, for an extra kick of flavour.