Delicious fresh squid dishes

Squid Salad

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds whole or sliced squid
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced shallots
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons capers
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

1. If using whole squid, prepare as described above and slice into 1/2-inch thick rings; if using frozen squid, defrost it.
2. Bring about 6-inches of water to a boil in a saucepot and place a steamer basket in the pot; place the squid in the pot, cover, and let simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Squid tend to get chewy if overcooked, so cook carefully. When squid is cooked, drain squid and dunk it in an ice bath; drain from ice and let dry well.
3. To prepare salad: whisk lemon juice with olive oil, shallots, and cayenne pepper; combine tomato, cucumbers, and capers then mix in squid; drizzle dressing over squid mixture and season with salt and pepper; top with basil.

Cheese Stuffed Calamari

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 8 whole squid
• 4 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 whole eggs
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups prepared marinara sauce

Directions

1. Clean squid as described above, but keep whole; let squid dry well.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
3. Combine ricotta cheese with egg and mix well; add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Using a pastry tube or small spoon, stuff squid with cheese mixture about 3/4 of the way full; seal ends with a toothpick and set aside.
5. Spoon 1/2 the marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish and layer squid in baking dish; top with remaining marinara sauce and cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
6. Bake squid for 30 minutes, or until sauce bubbles; let cool before serving.

Grilled Squid with Lemon Aioli

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds whole or frozen, sliced squid
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Directions

1. If using whole squid, clean as described above and slice into 1/2-inch rings; if using frozen squid, defrost it.
2. Preheat grill to medium heat and cover grates with aluminum foil.
3. Toss squid with olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt, and pepper; arrange squid on grill and cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender.
4. Meanwhile, mix mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Serve squid with dipping sauce.

More seafood recipes

Crispy fried calamari
Seafood stew
Baby octopus in tomato sauce