quick

Garlic Butter Squid Scampi

Name: Garlic Butter Squid Scampi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb squid; 4 unit garlic cloves; 0.5 cup butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 1 unit lemon; 2 tbsp fresh parsley

Craving bold flavors with minimal effort? This garlic-buttered seafood hit the spot every single time.

Total: 20 min
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 10 min
Serves: 2
Difficulty: easy
Calories: 553
Cost: $/serving

When you're exhausted but still want a dinner that feels like a treat, this garlic butter squid scampi is your secret weapon. It delivers that sophisticated bistro vibe without requiring hours of prep or complex techniques. The magic lies in the rapid sear, which keeps the squid tender and succulent while infusing it with rich butter and aromatic garlic. You'll love how the zest of the lemon cuts through the richness, creating a bright, balanced finish. It’s a high-reward meal for your low-energy nights—just toss it together in one pan and serve over pasta or with a crusty piece of bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

Ingredients

1 lb squid — cleaned and sliced into rings
4 unit garlic cloves — minced
0.5 cup butter — unsalted
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp red pepper flakes — adjust to preference
1 tsp salt — to taste
0.5 tsp black pepper
1 unit lemon — juiced
2 tbsp fresh parsley — chopped

Method

1 Pat the squid rings dry with paper towels and toss them in a bowl with half of the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2 Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3 Add the squid to the hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently until they turn opaque and slightly golden.
Advertisement
4 Stir in the minced garlic and remaining butter; cook for another 1-2 minutes until the butter is melted and fragrant.
5 Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
6 Serve immediately over linguine, angel hair, or with a side of toasted bread.

Variations

Pasta Lovers — Toss the finished mixture with 6 oz of cooked angel hair pasta and an extra splash of lemon juice.
Extra Spicy — Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes instead of just one to give it a real kick.