The moment the grill starts to hiss and sear, I can’t help but feel a wave of excitement wash over me. There’s something undeniably enchanting about cooking grilled squid with aromatic herbs; it’s a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary adventure right in your backyard. Imagine vibrant herbaceous flavors mingling with the delicate, smoky essence of charred squid, all topped with a whimsical display of colorful edible flowers.
This recipe sparked joy in my kitchen after a weekend visit to a bustling seafood market, where I stumbled upon the freshest baby squid. With a handful of herbs from my garden and a desire to escape the fast-food rut, I embarked on this delightful grilling escapade. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, this dish is not only impressive but incredibly easy to prepare. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey together and revive the art of homemade cooking.
Why is grilled squid with aromatic herbs a must-try?
Unique Flavor Combination: The interplay between smoky grilled squid and herbaceous undertones from thyme, rosemary, and sage makes for a tantalizing bite that’s hard to resist.
Quick Preparation: With just a bit of marinating time, this dish can be whipped up in under an hour, making it perfect for a spontaneous dinner.
Visually Stunning: The presentation, garnished with edible flowers and vibrant veggies, makes it as much a treat for the eyes as for the palate.
Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with nutrients, this recipe offers a refreshing break from everyday fast food, helping you embrace healthier choices.
For more delightful options that elevate your cooking game, check out this delicious seafood recipe.
Grilled Squid with Aromatic Herbs Ingredients
For the Squid
• 12 baby squid – Fresh and tender, perfect for quick grilling.
• 1 pinch salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the squid.
• pepper – Adds a dash of spice to balance the dish.
For the Marinade
• 3 1/2 oz extra virgin olive oil – Rich and fruity oil for adding depth to your marinade.
• 1 oz thyme – Its earthy tone complements the smokiness of grilled squid.
• 1 oz rosemary – A fragrant herb that brightens up the overall flavor.
• 1 oz sage – Adds a warm, savory touch.
• 1 oz bay leaves – Infuses aromatic depth during marination.
• 1 shallot, peeled and chopped – Offers a milder onion flavor that enhances the mixture.
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped – Provides a savory backbone to the marinade.
• 1 piece of fresh ginger, about 2cm, peeled and chopped – Adds a zingy warmth, highlighting the herb blend.
For the Ricotta Cream
• 3 1/2 oz smoked ricotta – The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the grilled squid.
• 3 1/2 oz extra virgin olive oil – Makes the cream luscious and smooth; use a good quality oil.
• 1 pinch salt – Enhances the cream’s flavor, tying it all together.
For the Vegetables
• 3/4 oz carrots, peeled and diced – Adds color and a hint of sweetness.
• 3/4 oz celery, diced – Provides a crunchy texture to your dish.
• 3/4 oz fennel, diced – Offers a subtle anise flavor that is refreshing.
• 3/4 oz radishes, cut into wedges – Adds a peppery bite and vibrant color.
For Garnishing
• edible flowers – A whimsical touch, making your dish visually stunning.
• fronds of fresh dill – Brightens the presentation and adds fresh herb flavor.
• nasturtium leaves – These add a peppery note to garnish further.
• red vein sorrel leaves – A pop of color along with a tangy twist.
Cooking grilled squid with aromatic herbs is not just about the dish; it’s about creating beautiful and joyful eating experiences. Enjoy!
How to Make Grilled Squid with Aromatic Herbs
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Prepare the squid by cleaning and seasoning them with salt and pepper. This ensures the squid is ready to soak up all those delightful flavors.
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Mix together the extra virgin olive oil, thyme, rosemary, sage, bay leaves, shallot, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. This aromatic blend will infuse the squid with delicious herbaceous notes.
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Marinate the squid in your herb mixture for at least 30 minutes. This step draws out the natural flavors, making each bite burst with taste.
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Getting the grill hot ensures those lovely grill marks and a perfectly charred exterior.
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Grill the marinated squid for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Watch for a white, opaque color to indicate doneness!
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For the Ricotta Cream: mix the smoked ricotta with extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt until smooth. This creamy topping will add richness to each mouthful.
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Arrange the grilled squid on a plate along with the diced carrots, celery, fennel, and radishes. This colorful display not only looks amazing but also adds great texture.
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Garnish with edible flowers, fronds of fresh dill, nasturtium leaves, and red vein sorrel leaves. These finishing touches elevate the dish visually and add unique flavors.
Optional: Serve with a wedge of lemon for a refreshing zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Grilled Squid with Aromatic Herbs?
Elevate your dining experience with complementary sides that balance flavors and textures beautifully.
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Zesty Couscous Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad features lemon and herbs that enhance the grilled squid’s flavors.
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Garlic Butter Asparagus: Tender, sautéed asparagus with garlic adds a delightful crunch and richness to your meal, working beautifully with the squid.
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Crispy Polenta Wedges: Golden and crispy, these polenta wedges provide a comforting base that contrasts the tender squid.
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Mediterranean Quinoa: Packed with olives, tomatoes, and herbs, this dish brings vibrant colors and the taste of sunshine, which pairs harmoniously with the herb-infused squid.
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White Wine Spritzer: A refreshing cocktail, combining crisp white wine and sparkling water, cuts through the richness of the dish perfectly.
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Lemon Sorbet: A light, palate-cleansing dessert that follows your meal beautifully, leaving a refreshing citrus note.
These pairings promise not just to accompany but to enhance your grilled squid with aromatic herbs, making every bite a celebration of flavors.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing grilled squid with aromatic herbs can be a breeze with some advance planning! You can marinate the squid up to 24 hours ahead to really enhance the flavors, just refrigerate them in the marinade. Additionally, you can pre-chop the vegetables—carrots, celery, fennel, and radishes—and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply grill the marinated squid for about 2-3 minutes on each side until fully cooked, and then arrange everything prettily on your plate along with the creamy ricotta. This way, your meal will be just as delicious, saving you precious time on busy weeknights!
Storage Tips for Grilled Squid with Aromatic Herbs
Room Temperature: Enjoy your grilled squid within 2 hours of cooking for the best flavor and safety. If left out longer, discard to avoid any risk of spoilage.
Fridge: Store leftover grilled squid in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep its tender texture; microwaving is an option, but consider a quick stovetop sauté.
Freezer: For longer storage, place the grilled squid in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat gently on a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil, being careful not to overcook. Enjoy the delicious flavors of your grilled squid with aromatic herbs again!
Grilled Squid with Aromatic Herbs Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delicious grilled squid recipe.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute regular smoked ricotta with a gluten-free brand to keep this dish gluten-friendly.
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Vegan Option: Swap squid with thick slices of marinated eggplant, and use cashew cream in place of ricotta for a delightful vegan alternative.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or drizzle with chili oil before grilling for an extra heat level.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon or lime into the marinade. This will brighten up the dish and introduce a fresh tang.
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Local Herbs: Use any fresh herbs that you have on hand, like cilantro or parsley, that may give your dish a unique twist and personality.
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Mediterranean Flair: Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the vegetable mix, enhancing the flavor profile with a Mediterranean essence.
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Southeast Asian Twist: Replace the ginger with lemongrass and use coconut cream instead of ricotta for an exotic twist that evokes Southeast Asian flavors.
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Add Sweetness: Toss in some diced mango or pineapple to the vegetable medley for a lovely contrast of sweet and smoky flavors.
Every variation hosts its own exciting story, waiting for you to explore!
Expert Tips for Grilled Squid
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Choose Fresh Squid: Always opt for the freshest baby squid available at your local market. Freshness ensures better flavor and texture in your grilled squid with aromatic herbs.
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Don’t Overcook: Grill the squid only for 2-3 minutes per side; overcooking can lead to rubbery textures. Look for a firm, opaque appearance to ensure they’re perfectly done.
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Marination Matters: Allow the squid to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors from the herbs deeply penetrate the squid, making each bite delicious.
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Mind the Grill Temperature: Preheat your grill to medium-high. Too hot can burn the squid, while too cool may leave it undercooked.
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Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to adjust the herbs according to your personal taste. While thyme, rosemary, and sage are fantastic, adding a pinch of oregano or basil can create a fun spin on the classic recipe.
Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Grilled Squid with Aromatic Herbs Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right squid?
Absolutely! When selecting squid, look for fresh baby squid with a bright appearance and no dark spots or discoloration; this indicates freshness. If possible, ask your fishmonger to clean them for you, as that will save time and ensure they’re ready for your delicious grilled squid with aromatic herbs.
How long can I store leftover grilled squid?
You can store leftover grilled squid in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to enjoy it within this timeframe for the best taste and quality. Reheating gently is key; I often recommend a quick sauté in a skillet to bring the flavors back to life!
Can grilled squid be frozen?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your grilled squid, let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating it in a skillet or on the grill for the best texture.
What should I do if my squid turns rubbery?
Overcooked squid can become rubbery, but don’t worry too much! If that happens, add some lemon juice or a drizzle of quality olive oil, and gently toss. This can help revitalize the flavors and moisture! For next time, be sure to grill your squid for just 2-3 minutes per side and look for that firm, opaque look.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! If you’re serving grilled squid with aromatic herbs to friends or family, make sure to check for any seafood allergies first. Additionally, if your guests are vegetarian or vegan, this dish can be customized for them by using grilled vegetables marinated in the herb mixture. The flavor profile will still be fantastic!
How should I store the marinading mixture?
If you have leftover marinade, store it in a clean, airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be used again for another batch of squid or poured over grilled vegetables for a flavor boost! Just remember to check for freshness before reusing.
Savor Grilled Squid with Aromatic Herbs for a Flavor Boost
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the squid by cleaning and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
- Mix together the extra virgin olive oil, thyme, rosemary, sage, bay leaves, shallot, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Marinate the squid in your herb mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated squid for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.
- For the Ricotta Cream, mix the smoked ricotta with extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Arrange the grilled squid on a plate along with the diced carrots, celery, fennel, and radishes.
- Garnish with edible flowers, fronds of fresh dill, nasturtium leaves, and red vein sorrel leaves.