The recipe for Grilled Baby Squids is very easy. The main task is to meticulously clean the small mollusks, as they are not usually cleaned at the fish market due to their small size. These small squids are available in summer and early autumn. You can buy extra, clean them, and store them well-packed in the freezer. The cooking is simply done on a grill, and in a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious appetizer or main course.
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Griddle
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer, Autumn
- Energy 354.50 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 2.84 (g) of which sugars 2.13 (g)
- Proteins 42.99 (g)
- Fat 19.80 (g) of which saturated 4.89 (g)of which unsaturated 2.93 (g)
- Fibers 0.22 (g)
- Sodium 1,211.28 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 172 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 2.2 lbs squids (small)
- A few sprigs parsley
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest (grated)
Tools
- Griddle
- Tongs
- Baking Dish
Steps
Begin cleaning by removing the cluster with tentacles; just pull and the intestines will also detach. Rinse the sack well, remove the cartilage, and make a small cut so it doesn’t curl too much during cooking. Cut off the head with eyes from the tentacles and remove the beak. Rinse well one last time, rubbing the tentacles to remove any sand, and the baby squids are ready.
Prepare the dressing by pouring extra virgin olive oil into a baking dish, adding sliced garlic, chopped parsley using some stem, salt, and grated lemon zest. Warm the dressing for a few minutes in the microwave and keep it warm.
Place the grill on the heat, and when hot, first cook the tentacles for 3 minutes per side. As they are ready, place them in the dressing. Continue cooking the sacks, also for a few minutes per side, then add them to the dressing. Mix well, cover with plastic wrap, and let them marinate for 10 minutes before serving.
Storing Grilled Baby Squids
Grilled Baby Squids can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator, well-sealed in a glass container.