Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Squid
Craving something fresh and coastal? This 15-minute meal delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
When you're exhausted after a long day, the last thing you want is a complex multi-step recipe, but you still want a meal that feels special. This grilled squid dish hits that sweet spot perfectly by using a simple garlic and lemon butter base to do all the heavy lifting for your taste buds. The high heat of the pan gives the squid a slight char while the butter creates a silky, fragrant sauce. It’s a fast, sophisticated dinner that feels like a treat rather than a chore. You can have it on the table in under 20 minutes, making it the ultimate win for those nights when you're hungry but your energy is low.
Ingredients
- 1 lb squid — cleaned and sliced into rings
- 3 unit garlic cloves — minced
- 4 tbsp butter — unsalted
- 1 unit lemon — juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes — optional for a tiny kick
- 1 pinch salt
Method
- 1 Pat the squid rings dry with paper towels and toss in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- 2 Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squid to the pan in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- 3 Sear the squid for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
- 4 Reduce heat to medium, add the butter and lemon juice to the pan.
- 5 Toss the squid in the bubbling butter sauce for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly before serving immediately.
Variations
- Vegan Swap — Replace the butter with extra olive oil and use a vegan garlic salt for seasoning.
- Extra Zesty — Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley at the very end for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
Make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the squid to ensure they sear rather than steam. Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of quick-cooking couscous.
Equipment that helps
- Cast Iron Skillet — Retains high heat perfectly to get that essential sear on the squid.
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