Garlic and Lemon Scented Squid

Name: Garlic and Lemon Scented Squid
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Calamari (squid) 2.6 lbs; White wine 1 small glass; Garlic 4 cloves; Lemons 1; Butter 5 ½ tbsp; Extra virgin olive oil 1 spoonful; Parsley to chop 3 spoonfuls; Black pepper to taste

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325

Calories per serving

Gluten Free

Energy Kcal 325
Carbohydrates g 2.3
of which sugars g 2.3
Protein g 25.3
Fats g 22.1
of which saturated fat g 11.73
Fiber g 1.8
Cholesterol mg 175
Sodium mg 366

Difficulty: Very easy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Rich, garlic-lemon aroma brings families straight to the table—this Garlic lemon squid really checks every box for delicious weeknight meals or easy weekend gatherings. Lively, golden outside with perfectly tender squid inside, this Mediterranean squid recipe looks great on any family dinner table, and it’s the kind of dish that promises bright, satisfying flavor in every bite. Citrus and savory flavors from the garlic lemon squid give it a zesty punch, making each forkful taste fresh and exciting (lots of folks say that burst of lemon is their favorite part). Energetic seafood fans love choosing this over fried options, since bite after bite offers that unmistakable Mediterranean flair—especially with its appealing look and mouth-watering juiciness. Even picky eaters change their minds when they see the moist and succulent pieces that spell out comfort and DEEP flavor on any regular weeknight or celebratory dinner. Home cooks love sharing staple recipes like grilled calamari with friends because that balance of smoky and citrus brings memories of easy holidays and laid-back, good times at home. For anyone trying to build out family-friendly menus, this one always ends up a practical favorite.

Practicality wins with busy schedules—easy seafood recipes and quick grilled calamari mean home cooks never have to rush or scramble to please everyone (works every time for family dinners or surprise guests). This quick squid dish makes seafood cooking feel less intimidating and a LOT more fun—you get a restaurant-style meal that looks and smells amazing, but keeps sides simple (think pasta, crisp salad, or roasted veggies). Serving this up alongside other Mediterranean flavors is a go-to move, though it’s equally good on its own for lunch, or sliced over rice. Plus, you can trust that tender squid cooking tips here pay off with soft, juicy bites every single time, adding real confidence for families new to seafood. When you want zesty squid recipes for welcoming friends or spicing up midweek menus, this one never lets you down. Completely adaptable for special diets (or just picky family members) and always a source of great mealtime stories…it’s one of those main courses that gives everyone reason to smile and dig in together. Great for making family seafood night extra special or just keeping simple meals interesting!

How to prepare Garlic and Lemon Scented Squid

Clean the squid by removing the head 1 and separating it from the tentacles with a cut near the eye 2. Then remove the central tooth (it will come out by squeezing the tentacles). Next, extract the transparent cartilage from the pouches 3.

Then remove the contents from the pockets 4 and peel them 5. Then cut the pouches lengthwise with a sharp knife 6

to obtain fillets 7 that will curl during cooking. Place the butter in a large pan with the oil, and once melted, add the garlic 8 and squid, frying them for a few minutes 9.

Then add the wine and let it evaporate, then add the lemon juice 10 and grated zest 11, and finally the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper 12. Let it cook for a couple of minutes and then arrange everything on a serving platter, serving the garlic and lemon scented squid immediately.

Storage

We recommend consuming the garlic and lemon scented squid as soon as it's ready, but if you wish, you can store it in the refrigerator, sealed in an airtight container, for up to one day.

Curiosity

In California, specifically on the beaches of Los Angeles, over 1,500 giant squid washed ashore, a common species in South America, but which normally did not venture so far north. The creatures, known by their scientific name “Dosidicus gigas”, although not adults, measured about five feet and weighed 13-15 pounds each!

Tip

Since this is a super light dish, the side dish should also be light. I usually serve it with a salad, but it's also exquisite paired with sautéed spinach and chicory, or blanched broccoli rabe: the contrast between the soft squid and the slightly crispy vegetables drives even the most sober palates wild.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.