12 Squid Dishes to Try At Home The Family Will Love

Squid tends to be an acquired taste. It’s something that some people cringe at the idea of and tend to stay away from in the home. However, it is full of protein and one of the best ingredients you could use in meals. Squid is also something different and interesting, once you get out of the thoughts of the seafood being slimy.

There are plenty of ways that you can make squid and use it in your diet. If you have kids that jump straight to pushing it off their plate if they see it, you can hide it with other seafood and in sauces.

But there’s no need to worry about when it comes to these squid recipes. They are easy to make at home, and the whole family will love. You’ll soon have requests for more squid dishes.

#1. Stewed Squid in Tomatoes

Let’s start with a very simple recipe to make. This one involves minimal ingredients, and you can make it as spicy as you want. There is the optional ingredient of red chili, if you really want to add a kick to the mix.

Apart from the squid, you’ll find that most of the ingredients are already in your cupboards. If they’re not, they’re affordable and easy to buy.

Ingredients

 

• Splash of olive oil
• 1 red onion, diced finely
• 1 garlic clove, sliced
• 1 handful of black olives, pitted
• Pinch of paprika
• 400g chopped tomatoes
• 215g butter beans drained and rinsed
• 300g fresh squid scored and sliced into rings
• Lemon zest
• Parsley sprigs to taste
• Red chili, seeded and sliced (optional)
• Lemon wedges for garnishing

Method

 

• 1. Heat the oil in a pan and fry the onion and garlic, with your parsley
• 2. Add in the olives, paprika, and chili (if using)
• 3. After a minute, add the tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes
• 4. Add in the beans and season to taste
• 5. Bring the liquid to a boil and add the squid in a layer on top of the sauce
• 6. Cover and simmer for five minutes
• 7. Add the grated lemon and serve with the lemon wedges

You may find that you want to cook the squid for a little longer, depending on how cooked you like it.

#2. Fish Stew with Squid

What about adding your squid with other seafood? This is a great way to get people in the house to try the ingredient. A fish stew is a favorite for many because it’s so easy to make. Here’s a recipe that you need to try.

Ingredients

 

• 4.4lb of fresh fish and shellfish of choice (don’t forget to include the squid in this)
• 8tbsp oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 800g chopped tomatoes
• 4fl oz red wine
• Chilli to taste (optional)
• 3tbsp parsley, chopped
• 1tsp fennel seeds
• 6-8 slices of bread, toasted

Method

 

• 1. Clean and prepare the fish, cutting into large and manageable pieces
• 2. Heat the oil and fry the garlic and onion
• 3. Add the tomatoes, chili, wine, seeds, and parsley, seasoning to taste and cook for 15 minutes
• 4. Add in the larger pieces of fish first, cooking until tender
• 5. Add in the smaller pieces afterward
• 6. Drizzle the bread with some oil and place at the bottom of a soup bowl, pouring the fish stew over the top

This will make the perfect, hearty meal for the end of a long winter day. You can add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and have it ready for when you come home if you want.

#3. Squid and Chicken Paella

How about getting a little international with your squid? Add it with some other meat to rice and make your own Spanish paella.

Ingredients

 

• 1tbsp oil
• 6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, chopped in half
• 75g chorizo, skinned and sliced
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 red and 1 yellow pepper, sliced
• 150g green beans, chopped lengthways
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2tsp paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 175g medium grain rice
• 1lt chicken stock, hot
• 500g mussels
• 225g squid rings
• 12 king prawns, raw and peeled

Method

 

• 1. Season the chicken to taste and add to a heated pan with the oil, frying for 5 minutes
• 2. Add the chorizo and cook for another 30 seconds
• 3. Transfer the chicken and chorizo to another bowl
• 4. Fry the onions until soften and then add the peppers and green beans, cooking for another two minutes
• 5. Stir in the garlic, paprika, and bay leaf, cooking for another couple of minutes
• 6. Add the rice and cook until it glistens
• 7. Add the chicken and chorizo into the pan and pour in the chicken stock, stirring while it simmers
• 8. Add the mussels after about 12 minutes and stir, cooking until the mussels have mostly opened
• 9. Add in the rest of the seafood and cook until the rice is tender and prawns are pink (don’t stir)

Pick out mussels that haven’t completely opened and serve in bowls.

#4. Prawn and Squid Ginger Stir-Fry

Another international dish to try is a ginger stir-fry. This is delicious with some prawns and chili added to it.

Ingredients

 

• 2tbsp oil
• 12 tiger prawns, raw and shelled
• 200g squid rings, raw
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 courgette, ribboned
• 4 bok choi heads, sliced
• 2 red chillis, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 100g ginger, chopped
• 2tbsp soy sauce
• 1 lemon juice
• Sesame oil

Method

 

• 1. Heat the oil in the pan and fry the prawns for a couple of minutes
• 2. Add the squid and fry until the prawns and squid are cooked, putting to one side afterward
• 3. Cook the courgette, garlic, chili, carrot, ginger, and bok choi for a minute
• 4. Add the soy sauce and cook for a minute, and then add the lemon juice and splash of sesame oil
• 5. Add the seafood back in and then serve

It will take minutes to make this meal, making it perfect for those quick meals at the end of a long day. While quick, it is hot and filling.

You can make some noodles on the side if you want, but they’re really not necessary.

#5. Thai Squid Salad

Not all your squid meals need to be hot. You can opt for a spicy salad instead. This one is an oriental dish that will make your mouth water

Ingredients for the dressing:

 

• 3 chillis, seeded and chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 2tbsp sugar
• 2tbsp Thai fish sauce
• ½ a lime, juiced

Ingredients for the salad

 

• 400g baby squid, with tentacles, removed
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• Bunch of chives, chopped
• 5 spring onions, trimmed and chopped
• 5 shallots, sliced
• 20 cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
• ½ a cucumber, chopped in half
• Handful of mint leaves
• Handful of basil leaves
• Two-inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
• 3tbsp oil

Method

 

• 1. Make the dressing by grinding all the ingredients together and place to one side
• 2. Make the salad by preparing the salad and scoring, placing aside after
• 3. Combine the garlic, chives, onions, shallots, tomatoes, and cucumber in a bowl
• 4. Add the mint and basil and mix together
• 5. Fry the vegetables with a tbsp of oil
• 6. Add in the ginger and then the squid, cooking until the squid is cooked
• 7. Add in the dressing

You can serve this hot if you want, but it’s a great option to take to work with you as it doesn’t need reheating. Your colleagues will be queuing for the recipe from you.

#6. Oriental Squid Salad

If you want to get away from the Thai spices but still want a salad, this is the recipe that you want to try. It’s very easy to make and another that you can take on the road with you.

Ingredients:

 

• 1 lime, juiced and zest
• ½ lemon, juiced and zest
• ½ orange, juiced and zest
• Bunch of coriander, chopped
• Bunch of mints, chopped
• 1tbsp soy sauce
• 1 red chili, chopped
• 1in of ginger, grated
• Pinch of sugar
• 5tbsp oil (sesame oil is good)
• 4 squid, fully gutted and dried
• 150g mixed cress leaves

Method

 

• 1. Combine all the citrus juices with the zests, soy, herbs, chili, sugar, and ginger
• 2. Add in oils and combine thoroughly, seasoning to taste
• 3. Score the squid
• 4. Heat a pan, rub the squid with some oil and then cook for a minute or two
• 5. Remove the pan from the heat and flip the squid over, leaving it for 30seconds
• 6. Put the squid on one side and coat with the dressing
• 7. Add back to the heat and cook until done as you like
• 8. Mix with the salad leaves and serve

#7. Garlic Dipping Sauce with Chilli Squid

Not all your squid dishes need to be main meals. One of the best things about this ingredient is that it works for a healthy snack. You can serve with a garlic dipping sauce and let your kids enjoy something new for a change.

Ingredients for the sauce:

 

• 100g caster sugar
• 2tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 red chili, chopped (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 15g ginger, peeled and chopped
• 1tbsp coriander, chopped

Ingredients for squid:

 

• 200g prepared squid
• 4tsp peppercorns
• 1/2tsp chili flakes
• 1tbsp salt
• 5tbsp flour
• 5tbsp cornflour
• Oil

Method

 

• 1. Make the dipping sauce by combining the sugar with some water and a tbsp of vinegar in a pan, heating until the sugar dissolves
• 2. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, except the vinegar, and simmer for a minute
• 3. Remove from the heat and stir in the rest of the vinegar
• 4. For the squid, chop the squid into pieces and score the inside in a criss-cross pattern
• 5. Place the peppercorns, chili, and salt in a pan and heat
• 6. Tip into a pestle and mortar and grind, before stirring in the flours
• 7. Add the squid to the bowl and coat well
• 8. Heat some oil and add the squid to fry the coating, you’ll need to use tongs because the oil will get extremely hot
• 9. Cook until golden and then place on a plate, with the dipping sauce in the middle

While you can allow these to cool and eat cold, they taste much better when they’ve just been freshly cooked.

#8. Grilled Squid with a Goats’ Curd and Olives

Sometimes you just want to try a dish that is completely different. It helps to keep things interesting and will make you enjoy your food more. This is also a great way to boosts the interests in new foods from the rest of your family.

Ingredients:

 

• ¼ watermelon, skin removed
• 100ml sherry vinegar
• 100g clear honey
• 50g vine leaves, drained
• 2tbsp oil
• 500g squid scored and cut into pieces
• 200g olives
• 200g goats’ curd, broken

Method

 

• 1. Chop the watermelon flesh into rectangles and place in the fridge
• 2. Heat the vinegar and honey in a small pan for a couple of minutes, then remove and place the watermelon skin in
• 3. Grill the squid on a griddle, until flesh is not transparent
• 4. Arrange your goats’ curd, olives, and watermelon on plates, topping with the vine leaves and squid
• 5. Drizzle olive oil and finish with some chopped parsley leaves
• 6. Place the melon rind around the dish

If you are going to take this with you to work, make sure you keep the olive oil separate until you’re ready to serve. That way all the salad will remain fresh and won’t go soggy.

#9. Braised Squid with Garlic and Herbs

There are so many ways to cook squid. Braising it is a healthy option, and this is a great recipe to try at home.

Ingredients:

 

• 1.5lbs squid, prepared
• 2 cups of parsley sprigs
• 5 garlic cloves
• 3tbsp oil
• 1/4tsp red pepper flakes
• 3/4 cup of white wine
• 1 can of tomatoes in juice
• 1/4 cup of water

Method

 

• 1. Chop the squid into rings
• 2. Chop up the parsley, putting 2tbsp to one side
• 3. Mix the rest of the parsley with the garlic
• 4. Heat the oil in a pot and cook the garlic and parsley, adding the red pepper flakes and cooking for two minutes
• 5. On a higher heat, add in the squid and cook until almost opaque
• 6. Add the wine and simmer for 10 minutes
• 7. Add the tomatoes and juice, water, and seasoning to taste, cooking for 40 minutes

This is delicious for an evening meal where you get to sit down and enjoy it. Your kids will barely realize that there is a different type of fish mixed in.

#10. 5-Spice Fried Squid

It’s time to get Oriental again with this 5-spice recipe. You can make it in minutes, making it one of the easiest on the list.

Ingredients:

 

• 1.5lb squid, chopped into 1in pieces
• Oil for frying
• 1 cup of cornstarch
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2tsp 5-spice
• Serrano chillis to taste, sliced thinly
• Cilantro for garnishing
• Lime wedges for garnishing

Method

 

• 1. Rinse the squid and pat dry, while heating the oil in a pan
• 2. Mix the cornstarch, seasoning, cayenne, and 5-spice in a bowl, setting aside
• 3. Dip the squid into the mixture and them place in the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan, and cook for two minutes
• 4. Plot the bits of squid on a paper towel and place in a serving bowl
• 5. Serve with some of the chillis and a dipping sauce
• 6. Alternatively you can serve with your choice of stir-fried veggies and noodles

When you do make this, watch out for the oil because it will get extremely hot. Make sure you use tongs for placing the squid into the pan.

#11. Stuffed Squid with Spinach and Herbs

Did you know that you can stuff your squid for something a little different? Here’s something that the kids could highly enjoy preparing with you, if you don’t want to get your hands slimy.

Ingredients:

 

• 11 squid tubes, divided and cleaned
• 0.5lb shrimp, peeled and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 cups of baby spinach
• 2 eggs
• 0.5-0.75 cups of breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup of grated parmesan
• Small bunch of oregano, chopped
• 2 pinches of red pepper flakes

Ingredients for the sauce:

 

• Oil
• 1 onion, diced
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 0.75 cup of white wine, dry is better
• 1 can of plum tomatoes

Method

 

• 1. Prepare the squid by chopping three of the tubes and adding to a food processor with the shrimp and garlic, pulsing until creating a pasta
• 2. Remove and add to a bowl with the spinach, eggs, cheese, herbs, flakes, and bread crumbs, seasoning to taste
• 3. You should be able to make a mini patty with the seasoning mix
• 4. Add the stuffing to the squid and secure with toothpicks
• 5. Make the sauce by oiling a large skillet and frying the onion and flakes, cooking for about 7 minutes
• 6. Add in the garlic and cook for another two minutes
• 7. Stir in the wine and cook until the liquid reduces by half
• 8. Puree the tune of tomatoes and add a cup of water, adding the mixture to the skillet and cooking for 15 minutes
• 9. Add in the squid and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning half way through
• 10. Remove the squid and allow the sauce to thicken
• 11. Arrange the squid without toothpicks on plates and cover with the sauce

This is best served immediately. Try sprinkling some parsley or dill over the top of the sauce and serve with lime wedges.

#12. Kung Pao Squid

This final recipe is a favorite in many Chinese restaurants. Usually, the sauce is done with chicken or prawns, but it is delicious with some squid instead. You can add in some prawns if you want to create a mixed seafood meal.

Ingredients:

 

• 1.5 cups of plum sauce
• 3tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 2tbsp chili garlic sauce
• 2tbsp oil
• Pinches of black and white sesame seeds
• ¼ bunch of cilantro, chopped
• 2lbs cornflour
• 1tbsp baking powder
• 2.5lbs squid, chopped into quarter-inch rings
• 15oz hot pepper rings, drained and sliced
• 5-10oz peanuts, dry roasted
• 5oz scallions, chopped
• Lemon wedges, options

Method

 

• 1. Mix the sauce, half a cup of water, vinegar, garlic sauce, oil, seeds, and cilantro together in a bowl and put to one side
• 2. Combine the cornflour, baking powder, and seasoning to taste in a bowl and put to one side
• 3. Heat a pan with some oil or prepare your deep fryer
• 4. Cover the squid in the flour mixture and carefully add to the heated oil, frying for a minute
• 5. Add the hot pepper and fry for another 30 seconds
• 6. Drain the squid and peppers
• 7. Drizzle the kung po sauce over the squid and peppers on plates, sprinkle with the peanuts and scallions, and garnish with the lemon

This is delicious served on a bed of boiled wild rice. You can also make some egg fried rice if you really want the taste of your local Chinese takeout.

Get Your Kids to Choose the One that Sounds Like Their Favourite

Try out all the 12 squid dishes, but start with the one that sounds like the best for you and your family. Go through some options with your kids and give them a chance to choose something that they like the sound of. Many kids may want to try something with mixed meat, just in case they don’t like the squid after all.

You’ll soon find that you have 12 new recipes to add to your repertoire in the kitchen. While the squid sounds like a hassle to prepare, you can get it pre-cooked, and that can help to keep some of the cooking to a minimum. However, your local fishmonger should be able to prepare your squid for you. You never know what else you’ll find in there to try out one night!

 

Check out more info on squid dishes here:

12 Mother’s Day Dinner Recipes
The All-In-One Guide to Korean Dishes