Roasted Squid with Cauliflower
Prep
20 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
Tender roasted squid tubes paired with golden cauliflower florets, finished with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs for a Mediterranean-inspired seafood dish that's both elegant and satisfying.
Ella x
Ingredients
- ¾ kgfresh squid(tubes and tentacles, cleaned and sliced into 1-inch rings)
- 1 headcauliflower(cut into medium florets)
- 4 tbspolive oil
- 5garlic cloves(minced)
- 1lemon(zested and halved for juice)
- 3 tbspfresh parsley(chopped)
- ½ tspred chili flakes
- 1 tspsea salt
- ½ tspblack pepper
- 3 tbspwhite wine
- 2 sprigsfresh thyme
- 2 tbspbutter
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the squid dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps it brown better during roasting.
Tip: Dry squid ensures a better sear and prevents it from becoming rubbery
- 2
Toss cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 12 minutes until edges begin to brown.
Tip: Don't crowd the pan; give florets space for even roasting
- 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Tip: Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning, which creates a bitter taste
- 4
Add squid rings and tentacles to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and begin to curl slightly. Do not overcook, or they'll become tough.
Tip: Squid cooks very quickly; overcooked squid is chewy, so timing is crucial
- 5
Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
Tip: This creates a flavorful pan sauce for the squid and cauliflower
- 6
Remove roasted cauliflower from oven and add to the squid skillet along with butter and lemon zest. Toss everything together over medium heat for 1 minute.
Tip: The butter adds richness and helps bind the flavors together
- 7
Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkling generously with chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Tip: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and complements the squid perfectly
- 8
Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately while the squid is still tender and the cauliflower is warm.
Tip: This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the pan
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