Squid steaks are fantastic on the grill or seared in a blazing hot pan, much like a beef steak. While there’s no notion of rare or medium‑rare here, Grilled Marinated Squid Steaks are at their best when cooked over very high heat and, like calamari, only for a minute or two per side. That quick sear, paired with a vibrant marinade and a squeeze of lime, makes them an ideal appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 squid steaks, 1 steak per person
- 1/3 cup sesame seeds
- 1 medium shallot finely sliced
- 1 clove grated garlic grated
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seed oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3-4 tbsp Mirin
Garnish
- 3-4 sprigs fresh cilantro or spring onion
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
Gather all ingredients before starting the recipe.
- Defrost the frozen squid in the refrigerator overnight. Rinse under cold running water, then pat dry.
- Score one side of each squid steak in a diamond pattern.
- Toast 1/3 cup sesame seeds until golden in a small skillet over medium high heat.
- Combine 1 medium shallot, 1 clove grated garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seed oil, 3 tbsp soy sauce and 3-4 tbsp Mirin and mix well to blend.
- Place steaks in a re-sealable plastic bag, cover with half of the marinade. Seal the bag and shake to cover all surfaces of the steak.
- Refrigerate steaks for 15 minutes or for up to an hour.
- Preheat a medium sized cast iron skillet on high heat for about 5 minutes.
- Add squid, un-scored side down, and grill for about two minutes, drizzle a bit of marinade on steak while cooking.
- Turn steak and grill for another 2 minutes.
- Move steaks to a cutting board and slice each steak into 1/2" strips.
- Arrange on a platter, drizzle the remaining marinade over the steak slices.
- Garnish with green onion and sliced lime, or cilantro and lime or pickled ginger and serve.
Squid steaks come from very large squid, one of the most common is the Jumbo Humboldt. I was lucky enough to find frozen squid steaks at Seacore Seafood Inc. in Woodbridge, Ontario. The shop carries an impressive range of seafood, both fresh and frozen, along with a huge selection of canned, preserved, and dried products. It’s the kind of place where you can wander the aisles and happily discover something new; absolutely worth the trip.
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