Grilled Squid Recipe

Grilled squid is a popular seafood dish in the Mediterranean, especially in Spain. Whether you’re by the seaside in Marbella or enjoying a barbecue at home, this grilled calamari recipe is a must-try! It’s served with fresh lemon and a flavorful ladolemono sauce, making it the perfect appetizer for gatherings with family and friends.

How to Choose the Right Squid for Grilling

• Small Squid: These have small tentacles and are often used in various seafood dishes.

• Medium Squid: This is the ideal size for grilling, measuring around 30 cm in length. Its flesh is tender and cooks well on the grill.

• Large Squid: This size has thicker flesh and tends to be more rubbery, requiring more preparation and softening.

Always opt for medium-sized squid with a smooth, silky texture. Avoid squid that smells of ammonia, as it indicates poor quality.

Ingredients for Grilled Squid (Serves 4-6)

• 2 pounds of freshly cleaned squid

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• Fresh lemon slices, for serving

Ladolemono Sauce Ingredients

• ¾ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

How to Prepare Grilled Squid

1. Marinate the Squid

   • Place the cleaned squid in a mixing bowl.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together salt, pepper, paprika, and olive oil. Pour the marinade over the squid, ensuring it’s fully coated.

   • Cover the bowl and marinate the squid in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than overnight.

   • Remove the squid from the fridge 30 minutes before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature.

2. Grill the Squid

   • Preheat your charcoal or gas grill to high heat.

   • Place the squid on the grill using tongs and cook for 4-6 minutes, turning to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides.

   • Once cooked, remove the squid and place it on a cutting board.

3. Serve

   • Slice the squid into 1 cm wide rings and place them on a serving plate.

   • Prepare the ladolemono sauce by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano. Drizzle the sauce over the grilled squid.

   • Serve with fresh lemon slices.

Nutritional Information for Grilled Squid (per 100g)

• Calories: 174 kcal

• Total Fat: 7g

• Saturated Fat: 1.9g

• Cholesterol: 260mg

• Sodium: 306mg

• Potassium: 279mg

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Protein: 18g

• Vitamin C: 4.2mg

• Calcium: 39mg

• Iron: 1mg

• Magnesium: 38mg

• Vitamin B6: 0.1mg

• Cobalamin: 1.2 µg