Roasted Squid with Avocado
Prep
20 mins
Cook
12 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
Tender roasted squid with a golden exterior paired with creamy avocado, crispy garlic chips, and a bright lemon-herb dressing creates an elegant yet simple Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ella x
Ingredients
- ¾ kgfresh squid(cleaned and cut into rings and tentacles)
- 2ripe avocados(halved and sliced)
- 5 tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 4garlic cloves(thinly sliced)
- 1fresh lemon(zest and juice)
- 3 tbspfresh parsley(finely chopped)
- 1 tspfresh thyme(dried)
- 1 tspsea salt
- ½ tspblack pepper
- ¼ tspred pepper flakes
- 473 mlarugula(loosely packed)
- 1shallot(thinly sliced)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Pat the cleaned squid dry with paper towels and season generously with sea salt, black pepper, and thyme. Let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
Tip: Drying the squid ensures better browning and prevents splattering when cooking.
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel.
Tip: Watch the garlic carefully to prevent burning, which will make it bitter.
- 3
In the same skillet with the remaining garlic oil, add half the squid in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes without stirring until the bottom is golden. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. Transfer to a warm plate and repeat with the remaining squid.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve proper browning and prevent the squid from steaming.
- 4
Whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to create a vinaigrette.
Tip: The acidity from lemon juice brightens the dish and complements the richness of avocado.
- 5
Arrange fresh arugula on a serving platter and top with the warm roasted squid and crispy garlic chips.
Tip: Serving the squid while still warm prevents it from becoming rubbery.
- 6
Gently place avocado slices around the squid and scatter shallot slices on top.
Tip: Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain its creamy texture.
- 7
Drizzle the lemon-herb vinaigrette over the entire dish and serve immediately with crusty bread if desired.
Tip: The warm squid will slightly soften the cool avocado, creating a pleasant temperature contrast.
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