As the sun dips below the horizon and a gentle evening breeze stirs the air, nothing beats the lively aroma of grilled seafood wafting from the kitchen. My journey into the world of Thai cuisine often uncovers dishes that bring a rush of flavors, but there’s something about Thai Grilled Squid that keeps my taste buds dancing. This vibrant dish marries the smokiness of the grill with a tangy, savory marinade that elevates squid from ordinary to extraordinary.
I first tried my hand at this dish during a summer get-together, gathering with friends who were seeking a break from fast food routines. The ease of preparation made it a perfect solution—before I knew it, the squid was marinating, and conversations flowed as eagerly as the flavors! With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your kitchen transforms into a bustling street-side eatery. So, let’s dive into this tantalizing recipe that’s sure to impress your guests and reignite your passion for homemade food!
Why love Thai Grilled Squid?
Bold flavors make this dish a standout; the combination of lime, fish sauce, and herbs creates a burst of savory goodness that’s hard to resist. Quick prep time grants you more moments to savor life, giving you a delicious dish in just 20 minutes! Versatility is key—treat it as a main course or appetizer at your next gathering. Impressive presentation ensures it looks as delightful as it tastes, making it a crowd-pleaser for sure! Dive into this recipe and embrace a taste adventure right at home!
Thai Grilled Squid Ingredients
For the Marinade
• Squid – 1 ½ pounds, scored to absorb the marinade better.
• Golden Mountain seasoning sauce – 1 tablespoon, provides a unique flavor profile.
• Oyster sauce – 2 tablespoons, adds depth and umami richness.
• Fish sauce – 1 tablespoon, for a punch of salty goodness.
• Sugar – 1 tablespoon, balances the savory elements perfectly.
• Lime juice – 2 tablespoons, brightens the dish with citrus zing.
• Water – 2 tablespoons, to help combine all the marinade components.
For the Garnish and Dipping Sauce
• Shallot – ¼ cup, chopped small for a mild onion flavor.
• Garlic – 1 tablespoon, chopped small to enhance overall aroma.
• Cilantro – 3 sprigs, chopped small to add freshness and color.
• Fresh Thai chilis – 1-10, finely chopped depending on your heat preference; these bring an exciting kick to the dish.
Embrace the adventure of flavor with these Thai Grilled Squid ingredients, and get ready to impress your palate!
How to Make Thai Grilled Squid
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Prepare the squid. Start by cleaning the squid to get rid of innards and the beak. Pat it dry with a paper towel, ensuring it’s free of moisture for better grilling. Score the squid lightly with a small knife to help it absorb the marinade.
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Marinate the squid. In a large bowl, combine oyster sauce and Golden Mountain seasoning sauce. Add the clean squid, tossing it to coat fully. Allow it to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, letting those flavors infuse deeply.
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Make the dipping sauce. Chop the shallots, garlic, cilantro, and Thai chilis into small pieces. Combine all the dipping sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl, adjusting the flavors with extra lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar to your taste.
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Preheat and grill the squid. Set up your charcoal grill until the coals are white-hot or adjust your gas grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated squid on the grill, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly charred and cooked through.
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Brush on marinating sauce. Using a brush, coat the squid with any leftover marinade as they grill, but be careful not to overcook them—just a light glaze will do.
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Serve. Transfer the tender grilled squid to a serving platter. Generously slather it with your zesty dipping sauce, garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges before serving immediately.
Optional: Serve with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Thai Grilled Squid?
Elevate your culinary experience by creating a delightful meal that complements the vibrant flavors of this grilled dish.
- Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness and creamy texture of coconut rice balance the zesty notes of the squid, making each bite harmonious.
- Thai Mango Salad: Fresh, zesty, and slightly sweet, this salad brings an incredible crunch and a delightful contrast to the grilled squid.
- Garlic Noodles: With a savory garlic aroma and silky texture, these noodles serve as a wonderful base that absorbs the squid’s delicious marinade.
- Grilled Vegetables: A medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and onions grilled to perfection adds a smoky flavor while providing a vibrant color to the plate.
- Roasted Baby Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes offer an inviting mouthfeel that pairs well with any seafood.
- Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc enhances the dish’s bold flavors while bringing a refreshing lightness to your table.
- Thai Basil Spring Rolls: These delicate rolls introduce a fresh crunch and herbal notes that perfectly complement the Thai Grilled Squid without overwhelming the palate.
- Cilantro Lime Quinoa: This fluffy base, infused with fresh cilantro and lime, ensures a refreshing bite that highlights the squid’s zingy flavors.
- Green Tea: Serve with a warm cup of green tea, as its earthy notes cleanse the palate gently, making each mouthful even more pleasurable.
- Sticky Rice Desserts: End the meal on a sweet note; try coconut sticky rice with mango for a deliciously fruity dessert that rounds out your Thai feast!
Make Ahead Options
These Thai Grilled Squid are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts eager to streamline their busy weeknights! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the squid up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen while stored in the refrigerator. Additionally, chop the shallots, garlic, cilantro, and Thai chilis beforehand and keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply grill the marinated squid for just 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly charred, and drizzle on any extra marinade sauce. This way, you’re guaranteed delicious, flavorful results with minimal effort, making mealtime a breeze!
Expert Tips for Thai Grilled Squid
- Cleaning Squid: Properly clean the squid to remove all innards and the beak. A clean squid ensures a pleasant taste without any unwanted flavors.
- Scoring Technique: Lightly score the squid in diagonal lines; this helps it absorb the marinade better and cook evenly without curling.
- Marinating Time: Don’t rush the marination! Allow at least 30 minutes for the flavors to penetrate the squid, enhancing your Thai Grilled Squid’s overall taste.
- Grilling Temperature: Ensure your grill is hot enough! A medium-high heat allows for that perfect char while keeping the squid tender—avoid overcooking to prevent chewiness.
- Dipping Sauce Adjustments: Taste your dipping sauce before serving. Enhance with more lime juice or fish sauce to achieve your desired flavor balance.
How to Store and Freeze Thai Grilled Squid
Fridge: Store leftover Thai Grilled Squid in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain freshness while minimizing moisture loss.
Freezer: If you want to freeze it, wrap the squid tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months; just remember to label the bag!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw your squid in the fridge overnight. Reheat on a grill or in a pan, lightly brushing with olive oil to restore some moisture and flavor.
Dipping Sauce: Keep the zesty dipping sauce in a separate container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure it’s covered tightly to maintain its flavor and freshness.
Variations & Substitutions for Thai Grilled Squid
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own by trying out one or more of these delightful tweaks!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute oyster sauce with a gluten-free variety or tamari for a similar umami flavor. This ensures everyone can enjoy the deliciousness together.
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Sweet & Spicy: Add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for an extra layer of sweetness, which wonderfully complements the heat from the Thai chilis.
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Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or mint alongside cilantro for a unique twist in flavor. This variation brings an aromatic freshness that brightens the dish delightfully.
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Coconut Lime: For a tropical vibe, replace lime juice with coconut milk and add zest of lime. This will create a creamy marinade that adds richness to the grilled squid.
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Chili Garlic: Amp up the spice by incorporating chili garlic sauce into the marinade. This will not only enhance the heat but also introduce a new, robust garlic flavor that elevates every bite.
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Vegetable Delight: For a vegetarian option, replace squid with thick slices of eggplant or zucchini. Marinate and grill them in the same way for a delicious veggie alternative that’s just as satisfying!
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Asian Twist: Incorporate sesame oil into the marinade for a nutty, aromatic depth. It harmonizes beautifully with the other ingredients and gives a distinctive Asian touch.
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Slicing: For perfect bite-sized pieces, slice the squid into rings after marinating. This creates an appetizer-style dish that’s easy to share and even easier to enjoy!
With these variations, your Thai Grilled Squid can cater to your taste, dietary needs, and culinary curiosity. Let your kitchen be your playground!
Thai Grilled Squid Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right squid?
Absolutely! When selecting squid, look for those with a firm, shiny body and clear eyes. Avoid any that appear slimy or have dark spots all over, which indicates age. Fresh squid should smell oceanic, not fishy.
How should I store leftovers of Thai Grilled Squid?
To keep your delicious Thai Grilled Squid fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This not only preserves the taste but also prevents it from drying out. If you plan to eat it later, make sure to put it in the fridge as soon as you’re done serving.
Can I freeze grilled squid?
Yes, you can freeze your Thai Grilled Squid! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a labeled freezer-safe bag. It should maintain quality for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to savor it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it using a grill or a pan with a bit of olive oil to retain moisture.
What should I do if the squid is tough after grilling?
Very! If your grilled squid comes out tough, it could be due to overcooking. Squid should only be grilled for 2-3 minutes per side—ideally, you want to achieve a tender, slightly chewy texture. If you find it tough, consider marinating it longer before cooking or slicing it into rings to reduce cooking time.
Is there a way to make this dish suitable for those with seafood allergies?
Absolutely! If you need a seafood-free alternative, try grilling tofu or eggplant using the same marinade and grilling technique. You’ll still enjoy a delicious, smoky dish packed with flavor! Just be sure to adjust the cooking times based on the substitute you choose.
Can the dipping sauce be made in advance?
Very! The zesty dipping sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just ensure it’s kept in a sealed container to maintain that vibrant flavor. Please taste it again before serving and adjust seasonings as desired!
Irresistible Thai Grilled Squid with Zesty Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the squid. Start by cleaning the squid to get rid of innards and the beak. Pat it dry with a paper towel, ensuring it's free of moisture for better grilling. Score the squid lightly with a small knife to help it absorb the marinade.
- Marinate the squid. In a large bowl, combine oyster sauce and Golden Mountain seasoning sauce. Add the clean squid, tossing it to coat fully. Allow it to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Make the dipping sauce. Chop the shallots, garlic, cilantro, and Thai chilis into small pieces. Combine all the dipping sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl, adjusting the flavors with extra lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar to your taste.
- Preheat and grill the squid. Set up your charcoal grill until the coals are white-hot or adjust your gas grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated squid on the grill, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly charred and cooked through.
- Brush on marinating sauce. Using a brush, coat the squid with any leftover marinade as they grill, but be careful not to overcook them.
- Serve. Transfer the tender grilled squid to a serving platter. Generously slather it with your zesty dipping sauce, garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges before serving immediately.