Grilled Squid with Caramelized Onion and Garlic

Name: Grilled Squid with Caramelized Onion and Garlic
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs squid; 3 large yellow onions; 4 garlic cloves; 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 3 tbsp fresh parsley; 1 tsp fresh thyme; 1 tsp sea salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 0.25 tsp chili flakes; 0.25 cup white wine

Prep: 20 minsCook: 25 mins

Prep

20 mins

Cook

25 mins

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Gluten-FreeDairy-Free

(0)

Ingredients

Servings:

⅔ kgsquid(cleaned and cut into rings)
3 largeyellow onions(thinly sliced)
4garlic cloves(minced)
5 tbspextra virgin olive oil
3 tbspfresh lemon juice
1 tbspred wine vinegar
3 tbspfresh parsley(chopped)
1 tspfresh thyme
1 tspsea salt
½ tspblack pepper
¼ tspchili flakes
59⅛ mlwhite wine

Instructions

1
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
Tip: Low and slow caramelization brings out the natural sweetness of the onions—don't rush this step.
2
In the final minutes of onion cooking, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with white wine and red wine vinegar, scraping up any browned bits. Remove from heat.
Tip: The wine adds depth and helps lift the flavorful fond from the pan.
3
Pat the squid rings dry with paper towels and season generously with sea salt, black pepper, and chili flakes on both sides.
Tip: Drying the squid prevents splattering on the grill and ensures better browning.
4
Preheat your grill to high heat (around 450°F). Brush the grill grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Tip: A hot grill creates a quick char while keeping the squid tender inside.
5
Grill the squid rings for 1.5-2 minutes per side until they have light char marks and are opaque. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the grill.
Tip: Squid cooks very quickly—overcooking will make it tough and rubbery.
6
Transfer the grilled squid to a serving platter and immediately toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
Tip: Adding oil and lemon while the squid is still warm helps it absorb maximum flavor.
7
Top the squid with the warm caramelized onions and garlic mixture. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and fresh thyme.
Tip: The fresh herbs add brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, sweet onions.
8
Serve immediately while the squid is still warm, with extra lemon wedges on the side for additional acidity if desired.
Tip: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the grill—the textures begin to change as it cools.

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