Grilled Squid with Thai Flavors

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) squid, cleaned and scored 2 pounds (900g) squid, cleaned and scored
• 3 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped 3 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fish sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Spicy dipping sauce, for serving Spicy dipping sauce, for serving
• Jasmine rice, for serving Jasmine rice, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, cilantro, vegetable oil, lime juice, sugar, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Add the cleaned and scored squid to the marinade, ensuring it is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the squid from the marinade and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. 5.
   Serve the Grilled Squid with spicy dipping sauce and jasmine rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Make sure to finely chop the lemongrass to release its aromatic oils.
• Squid — Scoring the squid helps it cook evenly and allows the marinade to penetrate the flesh.

Tips & Tricks

• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook the squid on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler.
• For an extra kick of heat, add some chopped Thai bird's eye chilies to the marinade.
• Serve the Grilled Squid with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added brightness.
• Make sure not to overcook the squid, as it can become tough and rubbery.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade, such as Thai basil or ginger, to customize the flavors to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Squid hot off the grill, accompanied by a bowl of spicy dipping sauce and a side of fragrant jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled squid on a platter, drizzle some of the spicy dipping sauce over it, and sprinkle with additional chopped cilantro. Serve with a wedge of lime on the side for an appealing presentation.