Garlic Butter Grilled Squid
Craving something coastal? This 15-minute meal is satisfying, fast, and feels like a vacation.
When you're exhausted but still want a dinner that feels special, this garlic butter grilled squid is your secret weapon. It hits those savory, buttery notes while taking very little effort to prep or cook. The high heat of the skillet gives it a beautiful char, and the garlic-heavy sauce coats every bite in an irresistible flavor profile. You won't find any complicated techniques here—just simple ingredients coming together quickly on the stove. That first bite is pure comfort: tender seafood meets rustic herbs. It’s the perfect 'I can't believe I made this myself' meal for a long Tuesday night.
Ingredients
- 1 lb squid tubes — cleaned and sliced into rings
- 4 unit garlic cloves — minced
- 3 tbsp butter — unsalted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Method
- 1 Pat the squid rings dry with a paper towel and toss in a bowl with olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 2 Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.
- 3 Add the squid to the hot pan in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan; work in batches if needed.
- 4 Sear the squid for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and slightly charred.
- 5 Reduce heat to medium, add the butter, and toss the squid constantly for 1-2 minutes until the butter melts into a glossy sauce.
- 6 Remove from heat immediately and serve hot.
Variations
- Spicy Kick — Add a pinch of red chili flakes along with the garlic for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Zest — Squeeze half a lemon over the dish right before serving to brighten the flavors.
Notes
Be careful not to overcook the squid; it should be tender, not rubbery. If the pan is too hot, the butter will burn before the squid is done.
Equipment that helps
- Cast-iron skillet — Provides even heat distribution for that perfect sear on the squid.
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